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Posted by: Dental Design 18th May 2023

Lauren Long, who recently joined the council for the British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT) tells us more about her career and the Association:

‘I decided to train as a dental therapist after reading about it as a career choice online. I had never heard of dental therapy before and after doing some research it sounded like the perfect fit for me. I had had some dental work carried out as a teenager and found the whole process really interesting but had never really considered exploring it further until later. What really drew me in was that it incorporated my love of science but it is also a sociable job where relationships can be built with patients over time.

‘I started my degree at the University of Dundee in 2005 – part of the second cohort on the Oral Health Sciences BSc. After graduating in 2008 I worked in a mixture of practices for a few years to try and find what kind of setting worked for me. After experiencing lots of different working environments I have now worked exclusively at Cherrybank Dental Spa in Edinburgh since 2012. Using my full scope of practice has always been really important, as well as having an excellent team around me – Cherrybank ticks both these boxes and more!’

During her career journey so far, Lauren has developed a passion for teaching and picked up several accolades celebrating her skills:

‘During the pandemic I was asked to join NSK’s Ikigai Oral Hygiene Programme. This is where I got the bug for teaching! We delivered webinars to support dental therapists and dental hygienists through what was happening and we have continued to offer support and education to the profession on a regular basis.

‘Since then, I have been a speaker at several dental shows, courses and conferences and lecture on a Postgraduate Diploma for dental therapists with Smile Dental Academy. I was also very fortunate to win ‘Best Therapist’ at the Dentistry Awards and ‘Best Therapist Scotland’ at the Dentistry Scotland Awards in 2022.’

Utilising her expertise and passion, Lauren now hopes to help other dental therapists and dental hygienists in her new role within the BADT:

‘I first discovered the BADT after hearing about them from colleagues. I knew they were an Association I wanted to get involved with straight away. Now that I’ve taken on the role as ordinary council member, I’m excited to assist the rest of council in providing the very best support for BADT members. I also want to use my role to ensure that dental therapists continue to have a voice within the wider profession – we need to have our ideas heard, and the BADT is instrumental to the profession moving forward.’

The BADT is an Association for everyone in dental therapy and hygiene. It’s open to students of the profession, newly qualified dental therapists and hygienists as well as experienced professionals. Offering members community, education, support and more, it’s a perfect place for all professionals to learn, grow and excel in their careers, all the while making firm friends that will last a lifetime.

Lauren comments:

‘The BADT provides amazing support and resources to members through webinars, a quarterly journal with content relevant to the profession, in-person events and endless resources on the online member’s portal. Aside from these, the BADT strives to ensure that dental therapists and dental hygienists are viewed as important members of the dental team and have a voice that can be heard.

‘I would absolutely recommend joining BADT as early in your career as possible. Explore the member’s portal, utilise the advice and support available and engage with other members of the profession. It’s a fabulous resource for everyone in the industry and one that people should take advantage of!’

There are a variety of membership prices available, including FREE membership for undergraduates and professionals in their first year of qualification. Half price rates are also available for those in their second year of qualification.

With resources such as members-only webinars, discounted CPD courses and unique indemnity protection, the BADT always strives to put the needs of its members first. If you’d like to find out more about the Association, its values, goals and the available membership opportunities, please contact the team today.