Next week will be a bittersweet one at the practice as we say goodbye to Sarah Cooke, our hygienist who is retiring after fourteen and a half years at the Wellesley. However we will also be welcoming hygienist, Rachael Shaw as a new member of our team. We decided to catch up with Sarah and Rachael to get their views on what it is like to work here – or in Rachael’s case, what she will bring to her new role.

Farewell to Sarah

Q: How long have you been working at the Practice?
A: I’ve been working at the Wellesley Dental Practice for fourteen and a half years.

Q: Has the practice changed much since you have been working here?
A: Yes the practice has evolved over the years, and kept update with new techniques and equipment so our patients old and new enjoy their dental experience and treatment when they see us at WDP.

Q: Did your role change much since you started working here?
A: My role – like all hygienists – has changed sine the General Dental Council (GDC) introduced Direct Access in 2013. It meant that patients didn’t have to see a dentist before they saw a hygienist. Before that we as hygienists had to work to a written prescription from a dentist. This gave more freedom to patients who might be in the area for a short time, but were registered with a dentist somewhere else.

Now as a practice we have embarked on a newer way of doing our hygiene appointments with GBT (Guided Biofilm Therapy) which gives far more freedom to both patients and practitioners – as although we all did the same job we all did it slightly differently – but now whomever the patient sees, the appointment will be the same format.

Q: What are you going to miss most about working at the Wellesley?
A: The diversity of cultures within the team.

Q: What are you not going to miss about working at the Wellesley?
A: Zoom meetings and the traffic getting to work.

Q: What advice would you give to Rachael who will be joining us as a hygienist?
A: Dear Rachael, Embrace the future by being able to do GBT. You will be working in a very skilled, professional environment with a great team. Enjoy the social side of WDP, Best wishes, Sarah.

Q: How would you describe your time at the Wellesley Dental Practice in 3 words?
A: Good  team environment

Q: What are you going to do next?
A: After 35 years being a dental hygienist, I am looking forward to not working! I might expand making cakes! We are thinking of getting a puppy, as it’s nearly 4 years since we lost Rosie our lovely SBT (Staffie).

Although we were adopted by a stray black and white cat Smudgey last September, it’s not quite the same as he doesn’t want to walk to Richmond park and back!

Welcome Rachael

Q: Why did you decide to become a dental hygienist?
A: I started my career after leaving school as a dental nurse (I was going to take a gap year and thought I would then go on to be a teacher!) and I loved the job and profession but wanted to do more so the natural next step was to train as hygienist and therapist.

Q: Where did you complete your training?
A: Kings College Hospital, London.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone who I thinking of becoming a dental hygienist?
A: Ask current professionals and/or join a forum where you can gather support and advice from others in the profession. You’re not alone!

Q: What’s the best thing about being a dental hygienist?
A: Meeting new and interesting people daily and gaining their trust and seeing positive results in their oral health. It can be a very satisfying job.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I like to keep fit so I’ll usually be found in a spin studio or the gym. I like photography and travelling the world. I enjoy watching live music and eating out.