Celebrating National Orthodontic Health Month: A Learner’s Journey into Orthodontics

Celebrating National Orthodontic Health Month: A Learner’s Journey into Orthodontics

October marks National Orthodontic Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of orthodontic care and celebrate the professionals who help create healthy, confident smiles. At Tempdent, we’re proud to support Dental Nurses in their journey to becoming skilled orthodontic professionals through our Certificate in Orthodontic Nursing.

To mark the occasion, we’re sharing a real learner story from Larni, who completed her Orthodontic Nursing qualification with Tempdent and is now training as an Orthodontic Therapist. Her journey is a testament to how the right support and education can open doors to a fulfilling career in orthodontics.

 

Orthodontic Nursing: A Stepping Stone to a Career I Love
By Larni, Orthodontic Therapist in Training at Greenacre Orthodontics, North Wales

My name is Larni, and I’m currently training as an Orthodontic Therapist at Greenacre Orthodontics in North Wales.

My journey into dentistry began at the age of 17, during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, I was studying for my A-Levels but felt uncertain and unmotivated about my future. I made the decision to leave my A-Levels and pursue a Dental Nursing Apprenticeship instead, and I’ve never looked back. From the moment I entered the dental field, I knew I had found the right career path.

After qualifying as a Dental Nurse, I transitioned into orthodontics and quickly discovered a genuine passion for this area of dentistry. I was fascinated by the work and saw clear opportunities for progression, which led me to pursue the Orthodontic Nursing Qualification.

I chose Tempdent after hearing consistently positive feedback about their courses. The structure of the Orthodontic Nursing course was ideal for me, with monthly Saturday tutorials that allowed me to balance work, study, and personal life effectively.

The course was incredibly valuable; it equipped me with the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence I needed to thrive in orthodontics and laid a strong foundation for my next step: training as an Orthodontic Therapist. Completing the qualification beforehand was instrumental in helping me secure a place on the prestigious King's Orthodontic Therapy Programme at just 22 years old.

I’m especially grateful to my Tempdent tutor, Claire Blandford, whose kindness, expertise, and support made the learning experience both enjoyable and rewarding. I also want to thank the team at Greenacre Orthodontics for their continued encouragement and for providing a supportive environment that helped me meet the course requirements.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Orthodontic Nursing Qualification to anyone considering a career in Orthodontic Therapy. It has opened the door to a fulfilling and lifelong career that I truly love. My journey has shown me that with dedication and self-belief, anything is possible. If you're unsure about taking that first step, go for it. The hard work is absolutely worth it.

 

Ready to Start Your Own Journey?

If Larni’s story has inspired you, why not take the first step toward a rewarding career in orthodontics? Our next cohort for the Certificate in Orthodontic Nursing begins in April 2026.

Register your interest here

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