Dental Academy
Award joy at Graduation Ceremony
Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:15:00 BST
Natalie Francis was presented with the University of Portsmouth Dental Academy Dental Nursing Practice Award at the CertHE in Dental Nursing Graduation Ceremony.
Students completing the Dental Nursing Award joined Graduating BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Therapy Students in celebration at the annual Prize Giving held at the University of Portsmouth Dental Academy. The Dental Nursing Practice Award is given to the student dental nurse considered to have demonstrated the strongest clinical performance following nominations from practice mentors and clinical supervisors both within UPDA and from placements within the local dental community. Dental Nursing Students embarking on the CertHE in Dental Nursing programme work alongside BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Therapy Students and Undergraduate Dental Students, their clinical work is supervised by Dental Nurse Mentors who are a vital part of the Dental Nurses clinical learning journey and nominations for this award are extremely meaningful to the students.
During the Dental Nursing programme Natalie demonstrated a positive attitude to academic and clinical study together with a willingness and commitment to team work. Natalie’s clinical ability was demonstrated in her responsible attitude and willingness to support others in her practice team. This was reiterated in the many positive comments received from peers, clinical mentors and supervisors in nominations for the award. Natalie leaves the Dental Nursing Programme with a CertHE in Dental Nursing with Distinction.
Alan Woodman, Periodontal Specialist commented "Natatlie spent some of her placement time with us at the Wessex Dental Specialist Centre in Fareham. After shadowing an experienced nurse for a few days she soon proved very interested in the advanced techniques which were practised, including periodontics, implant dentistry and orthodontics. Her positive attitude impressed the staff and her enthusiasm was demonstrated practically as she soon showed that she was capable of assisting the specialists without direct supervision. Natalie joined in the activity of the Centre fully and impressed the manager so much that he would have liked to create a job for her there and then!"
The British Dental Association Dental Nurse of the Year Award was given to the student dental nurse attaining the highest overall mark for the award.
This year the BDA DN of the year award was won by Tracy Kennedy, congratulations to Tracy who is a deserving winner having achieved the highest overall mark. This accolade is testament to the commitment and dedication Tracy demonstrated in attaining the CertHe in Dental Nursing with Distinction.