There’s something strangely exciting about the ping of a rota email on a Friday afternoon. No matter how many of them I’ve received over the years, I still get a little buzz of anticipation. Where will I be next week? Will it be somewhere familiar or somewhere completely new? A new practice joining the Cavity family? Or perhaps one I’ve never stepped foot in before?
Either way, I’m always curious. Will I be reunited with colleagues I’ve worked with before, or will I meet new faces and find myself in a fresh team dynamic? Whether it’s catching up with old friends or making brand new connections, I always look forward to what the week ahead has in store.
Sundays are for winding down—and a bit of prep. First, I double-check that my rota hasn’t changed. Then I check the route to work so I know exactly when I need to leave in the morning. I get my uniform ready and sort out my lunch. If I’m heading to an unfamiliar practice, bringing lunch is a must—I’d rather have something I know I like and can rely on during my break, rather than rushing around trying to find a nearby shop.
If it’s a new practice, I’ll usually do a little research. I find it really helps to know what the place looks like from the outside so I can spot it easily, and I love it when they have a “Meet the Team” page on their website—I might recognise someone or get a feel for the team before I arrive. It’s also useful to find out whether they have any in-house specialists or use any equipment I’ve not come across before. I’m always keen to learn something new.
No two days are ever the same in this job, and that’s exactly why I love it. My week could take me anywhere—from private practices to hospitals, working alongside dentists, hygienists, therapists, and specialists. Sometimes I’ll spend the day in full decontamination. The variety keeps me alert and constantly learning.
Although the majority of my days are spent with dentists, each one has their own way of working. The way they communicate, the pace of their day—it’s all part of a rhythm you quickly learn to adapt to. The treatments I assist with vary massively depending on their area of expertise, and with each variation comes something new to learn. Some days I’ll be working mostly with PMPR equipment while supporting a hygienist; other days I might be using apex locators or 3D scanners. You name it—I turn up, find out what’s needed, and get stuck in. Every environment is different, which means I’m constantly adjusting and growing.
Recently, I had the chance to work on a mobile dental unit providing care to communities with limited access to a dentist. That was an eye-opening experience—not just from a clinical point of view, but because I got to see first-hand the challenges people face in accessing oral healthcare. It was humbling, and also another chance to develop my skills in a totally new setting.
While there’s certainly repetition in the day-to-day—early starts, scrubs on, the rhythm of appointments—there’s always something different to see, do, or learn. That’s what keeps me motivated. It pushes me to constantly review my knowledge and refine my skills.
Every practice is unique—whether it's the size of the room, the layout of the cupboards, or the make and model of the dental chair. Adapting quickly is crucial. One of the biggest differences is always the team. Some dentists prefer to delegate a lot to their nurses, others are more hands-on themselves. You learn to read the room, figure out what’s needed, and mould yourself around their way of working. It keeps you sharp. I’ve had the privilege of working with a whole spectrum of professionals—from newly qualified dentists and hygienists to seasoned specialists and orthodontic therapists. Each one teaches me something different.
Meeting new people is, hands down, my favourite part of the job. In the past year alone, I’ve probably worked with over a hundred different clinicians! Nearly every day someone asks how I got into agency work, and it always sparks a lovely chat. I’ve learned about all sorts of things during lunch breaks—from colleagues’ hobbies and passions to inspiring charity work. It’s also a great time to network, share experiences, and support each other. While not every day is full of laughter in the staff room, there’s always something to connect over.
I still remember starting out as an agency nurse with only general dentistry experience. Within a few short months, I was confidently assisting with orthodontic and surgical procedures I never thought I’d have the chance to do. It’s amazing how quickly you grow when you’re constantly being challenged in new ways. My top tip? Always carry a small notebook—you’ll want to jot down those golden nuggets of advice you pick up along the way.
This lifestyle has brought so many unexpected perks. I’ve visited towns I’d never heard of before, taken scenic drives, and gone on walks I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. I’ve even gone back to some of these places with family and friends to explore them properly. There’s something really special about being able to combine work with the opportunity to see more of the country.
So, if you’re thinking about becoming an agency dental nurse? I couldn’t recommend it more. It’s a role full of variety, learning, connection, and growth—and no two days are ever quite the same.