At Bealby and Jones, we believe that great dentistry starts long before a student ever sits their first exam. It starts with curiosity, exposure, and the chance to see what a career in dentistry actually looks like day to day. That's why we're proud to offer work experience placements to students considering a future in dental care.
Why We Offer Placements
Dentistry can feel like an inaccessible career path for many students, particularly those who don't have personal or family connections within the profession. Without first-hand exposure to a working practice, it can be difficult to know whether dentistry is the right fit, or even where to begin.
We want to change that.
By opening our doors to students, we hope to break down some of the barriers that stand between talented, motivated young people and a career in dentistry. Whether a student goes on to become a dentist, a dental nurse, a hygienist, or pursues another path in healthcare entirely, we believe that early, genuine exposure to the profession is invaluable. Improving access to dentistry for the next generation isn't just good for students — it's good for the future of patient care as a whole.
What Students Gain from the Experience
Our placements are designed to give students a realistic, well-rounded picture of life in a dental practice. This includes:
- Observing patient consultations and treatments, to understand the variety of care a dental practice provides
- Seeing the importance of clear communication, particularly when explaining treatment options to patients
- Understanding the thoroughness and attention to detail required at every stage of dental care
- Learning about ongoing professional development, and why continual learning is essential in a constantly evolving field
- Witnessing the relationships built between dentists and patients over time, and the trust that comes from consistent, honest, high-quality care
We hope that by the end of their placement, students leave with a genuine understanding of what the profession involves — not just the clinical skills, but the compassion, communication, and dedication that go alongside them.
In Their Own Words
We recently welcomed a work experience student, Louisa, to the practice, and we're delighted to share some of their reflections on their time with us:
"During my work experience placement, I learnt about how important it is for dentists to use accessible and clear language when communicating with patients, especially when explaining treatments. I realised that it is essential that patients understand the range of treatments available to them, so that they can select the right one for them.
I was also able to see the thoroughness required by dentists throughout every stage of treatment. I also learnt about the importance of constant professional development and reflection, which is necessary for continually improving patient care in an ever-changing industry.
One of the things I enjoyed most whilst at Bealby and Jones was observing the long-term relationships between patients and dentists. I noticed the trust that has been built over appointments, due to the friendliness, honesty and quality of patient care offered by the team, allowing patients to feel more at ease.
Doing work experience really gave me an insight into dentistry and made me more interested in it as a career. I like that dentists make such a big difference to people's health and lives through listening to patients' concerns and solving problems in a hands-on way."
Looking to the Future
Feedback like this is exactly why we continue to offer these placements. Seeing a student leave with a genuine enthusiasm for dentistry, and a real understanding of what the role involves, reminds us why access and exposure matter so much.
If you're a student interested in a career in dentistry, or a parent/guardian looking for opportunities on behalf of your child, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch with the practice to find out more about our work experience placements.
Together, we can help build a more accessible path into dentistry for the dentists of tomorrow.
Written by
Ciara Dodd
Clinic admin — GDC -