Dr Izabela sat down with Nurse Beth to reflect on her first year at 21D. From NHS roots to complex implant surgeries, Beth’s story is one of courage, growth, and passion.
A Year at 21D
“I actually just celebrated my first anniversary at 21D yesterday,” Beth smiles. With nine years of nursing experience behind her, most of them in the NHS, she explains that moving to 21D felt like stepping into a completely new world.
“On my first day, I felt like I was training all over again. It was like going back to my apprenticeship, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Beth admits that when she first applied, she doubted her chances. She had never assisted with implants, sedation, or digital scanning. But she took the leap, and after watching her first surgery here, she was “blown away”.
The Difference Between NHS and 21D
Beth describes the transition as “a whole different kettle of fish.” While the NHS gave her a solid foundation, she found limited opportunities for progression.
“At 21D, you can just keep growing. You’re encouraged to push yourself. It’s not just a job - it’s about being part of a company you love, one you want to see succeed and grow.” Within her first 12 months, Beth went from feeling like a trainee again to teaching other nurses across surgical and non-surgical areas.
The Heart of the Patient Journey
When asked what part of the day she loves most, Beth reflects:
“For me, it’s not just the surgery or the final fit. It’s the whole process. It’s seeing the courage it takes for patients to walk through the door, the trust they place in us, and how every part of the team comes together. No one could do their role without another.”
She’s seen first-hand how treatment changes not only smiles but whole lives: improved health, weight loss, confidence, and freedom from long-term dental disease.
Life as a Surgical Nurse
Surgery can be intense, and clinicians are often under pressure. Beth laughs when asked how she copes:
“Until 21D, I’d never felt so appreciated by dentists. Here, I actually have a voice. Nursing is valued, it’s very nurse-led and we all work as one big, slightly dysfunctional family.”
When patients struggle during surgery, she encourages them to trust the team:
“If I say ‘breathe through your nose’ or ‘just relax’, it’s because I’ve helped hundreds of patients through this. Nurses are your chairside angels - we’ve done it so many times, and we’re there to look after you.”
Beyond the Surgery Room
Beth’s achievements aren’t limited to her professional life. Alongside her role as a 21D nurse, she’s also a devoted mum and has made incredible strides in her personal fitness journey.
Dr Izabela closes with admiration:
“Respect, Beth. Not everyone can balance being a 21D nurse, a caring mum, and achieving such amazing personal goals. Big, big respect.”
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