In this podcast episode I meet Access to Higher Education student Pip, who is studying the Health Science Professions Diploma in Dental Hygiene/ Therapy at level 3. I will be asking Pip about studying with academy online learning, her background working in the dental hygiene field and what she plans to do after graduating at university.

Hi Pip, thank you for taking the time to join me on this podcast episode. What has brought you to study an access course with Academy Online Learning?

Academy online learning is different to other educational institutions I’ve been a part of in that it considers students long term goals is really helpful. My confidence by giving me the academic tools and qualifications. I'll need to achieve my aspirations because it teaches the skills that Higher education requires and it helped me research the opportunities universities can facilitate which isn't something I was taught the first-time round.

The course is well structured

It sounds like Academy Online Learning is quite different from other educational institutions you've experienced. It focuses on student life roles, boosting your confidence by providing the roles and academic behaviours needed to excel. It teaches challenging skills for higher education and encourages exploring the social opportunities universities offer, which may be new to you. You have chosen to study an access to HE in dental hygiene and therapy. Can you tell us what first ignited the idea that you wanted to work in this field?

So I had my own experience during the pandemic, which impacted on my general health and affected the appearance of my own smile and my own self-esteem, which could have really all been avoided with regular professional cleaning. As a mature student, it's been a long time since I was last in education. But the course is well structured to ease students into modules and the fact I could complete it at my own pace made it a realistic choice for me.

It sounds like the pandemic had quite an impact on you, affecting both your general health and your self-esteem, particularly with the appearance of your smile. Regular professional cleaning could have helped prevent some of these issues. Being a mature student, it's understandable that returning to education after a long time might feel daunting, but it's great to hear that the course structure is supportive and flexible enough for you to manage alongside your other commitments.

What is your background experience of working in dental hygiene?

In 2023 I started working as a trainee dental nurse because I had no practical experience in a clinical environment which helped me develop an important foundation of skills, which is crucial really for a hygienist.

Really helped me prepare for University

Starting work as a trainee dental nurse in 2023 was a smart move, especially since you lacked practical experience in a clinical setting. This role likely provided you with a solid foundation of skills that are essential for a hygienist. Getting that hands-on experience is crucial for building confidence and proficiency in the field.
How has the online learning provision helped you with your aims of applying to go to University?

I feel like it's really helped me prepare for University and got me back into the swing of studying and academia, which was quite strange after such a long time.

Huge support from my tutor

Now that you are applying to University, what preparation has this course offered during the process?

I’m finding the Diploma really interesting and I'm actually really enjoying researching for my assignments. A lot of it though is probably down to my interesting course content and the huge support from my tutor which has taken the stress out of studio around full-time work.

It's fantastic to hear that your experience as a trainee dental nurse has helped you transition back into the academic world and prepare for university. Getting back into the swing of studying and academia after a long break can indeed feel a bit strange, but it seems like you're adapting well and making strides towards your goals.
What is it that you want to achieve once you have completed your undergraduate degree?

Long term I'd like to have a successful career as a dental hygienist authorities. Because I believe it is the most important aspect of dental health. And I've always wanted to help uplift people's esteem and also health, which I have not really been able to do with previous work as efficiently as I could as hygiene and therapist.

I'd also like to become a regular volunteer with dental, which is a charity to help those who can't access dentistry and provide them with essential treatments. And at the moment IM raising money to help bring the first clinic to Wales or at least help to raise enough so that they can facilitate a mobile uni. Would like to book a room at the Melbourne unit here. 

Many thanks for joining me and I wish you all the best and please keep in touch to let us know how your undergraduate studies are going and your successes once you've graduated.

Thank you very much Sam and thank you for the support.