My first year after Dental School!

After finishing dental school and going into practice I felt daunted by the lack of experience I had had due to COVID, but I was excited to be thrown in to the deep end.

My working life experience thus far has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. There have been many highs and a few lows.

Not only was I developing myself clinically I was also learning how to be part of a team and how to build relationships and navigate myself within the practice.

I was worried about coming out of dental school with little practical experience, however, coming into practice I realised each day was a chance to learn and grow, and I was not expected to know it all.

The stabilisers are very quickly taken off of the bike!

The procedures I enjoyed the most at dental school have been turned on their head and those I didn’t enjoy I’ve ended up loving! It is only in times of reflection you realise how far you’ve come, how there is joy in not having it all figured out, how much you’ve achieved and also those that have been there beside you.

The community at Alpha Omega have been there as a consistent and constant source of support for me both clinically and emotionally; the guidance I have had from both the committee and other members has been incredible. Alpha Omega has also enabled me to network with people in my position (a foundation dentist) and others that have recently been in my position as well as a wealth of experienced clinicians; it’s a little less overwhelming when you know there are people to reach out to.

My take-home advice to all you future dentists is to immerse yourself in every opportunity you get, and don’t stress at dental school about the future.

Finally, reach out to me and other AO members for advice, and most importantly, remember you are not alone!

There is no rush, you will be supported and with time comes confidence.

Dr Ella Levene BDS