Whether you're newly qualified, developing your orthodontic skills, or looking to progress in a specialist setting, the right support can make all the difference. At mydentist, our orthodontic division brings together clinicians, therapists, nurses and support teams across specialist centres and practices throughout the UK, creating opportunities to learn, collaborate and grow.
With access to industry-leading technology, dedicated clinical leadership, and a network of experienced colleagues, our orthodontic teams are supported to build rewarding careers while delivering great patient care. It's an environment where ideas are encouraged, professional development is championed and clinicians have a genuine voice in shaping the future of the division.
For Sally Alwan, Orthodontic Clinical Development Advisor at mydentist and clinician at Beverley Orthodontic Centre, those opportunities have helped shape a career that has evolved significantly over the last decade.
Growing within a specialist division
Sally's career journey highlights the opportunities available within mydentist's orthodontic division. After beginning her career as a general dentist, she completed a postgraduate qualification in orthodontics before moving into a specialist orthodontic role.
Over the years, she progressed from managing a small NHS orthodontic contract to working within a specialist orthodontic centre. Her experience and commitment to the speciality were recognised, leading to the opportunity to take on a wider leadership role supporting clinicians across the orthodontic division.
For Sally, one of the biggest advantages of working within the division is the strong clinical leadership structure and the focus on ensuring clinicians feel supported and valued. When asked for her view, Sally commented: "I think it's important that we voice the opinions of our clinicians and really ensure that our clinicians feel valued and heard. Having that clinical representation in the company is vital."
She believes dedicated clinical leaders who understand the day-to-day realities of orthodontic practice help colleagues feel supported, whether they're adapting to new protocols, introducing new equipment, or looking for guidance and advice.
Sally also values the opportunity clinicians have to influence decisions and share feedback across the business. She commented: "This is the first company that I have worked for where the clinical division is so well represented. We've really got this opportunity to be able to voice any kind of concerns or wonderful things that are going on within the company."
Investing in technology and innovation
As part of a nationwide network of practices and specialist centres, orthodontic clinicians at mydentist benefit from continued investment in technology and innovation.
Sally says the business is committed to working closely with suppliers and industry partners to ensure clinicians have access to the tools and support they need to deliver high-quality patient care.
Sally commented: "mydentist is at the forefront of the dental industry, pioneering different initiatives and working closely with different companies to make sure we have the best possible commercial arrangements, so we can give the best service and prices to clinicians."
One example of this investment is the rollout of digital scanning technology across the estate. Sally commented: "We've got outstanding technology. Every single one of our practices now has a 3D scanner."
Alongside investing in technology, Sally says the business actively encourages colleagues to share ideas and explore new ways of working, helping the division continue to evolve and stay at the forefront of the profession.
Supporting career progression
Development is a key focus across the orthodontic division, with opportunities available for clinicians and practice teams at every stage of their careers.
Sally believes one of the strengths of mydentist is its willingness to support colleagues who want to build new skills and progress professionally.
Sally commented: "We want to know if part of your team or somebody in your team wants to go on a different course and wants to progress in their career, we absolutely want to support that."
She has seen colleagues across the division supported to undertake additional qualifications, including orthodontic nurses progressing into orthodontic therapy and team members developing their skills through radiography and oral health courses.
Sally commented: "There are so many aspects for career progression. No matter who you are in the company, we will look to support that."
A connected clinical community
Being part of a large orthodontic network provides opportunities to connect with colleagues, share best practice and learn from others across the business.
Regular clinical conferences bring clinicians together from across both the orthodontic and wider mydentist network, creating space to learn about developments within the business and the profession.
Alongside larger events, clinicians can stay connected through local networks, group discussions and regular communications, helping to ensure knowledge, updates and ideas are shared across the division.
Sally also highlights the importance of recognising colleagues' achievements and celebrating the contributions of teams across the business, helping to create a culture where people feel valued and supported.
Flexibility and work-life balance
For many clinicians, achieving a healthy work-life balance is an important part of building a long-term and rewarding career. When asked for her insight, Sally commented: "Work-life balance is extremely important."
As a parent of two young children, Sally understands the challenges of balancing professional and personal commitments. She says having flexibility around her working day, combined with the support of her colleagues, has helped her manage those demands while continuing to enjoy her role.
By organising her diary effectively and working closely with her team, she has been able to create a way of working that reduces pressure and allows her to focus on delivering great care for patients.
The people who make the difference
While opportunities for development, technology and clinical support are important, Sally says it's the people around her who make working within the orthodontic division so rewarding.
She values how receptive the business is to new ideas and believes the combination of clinical and operational support helps clinicians bring those ideas to life.
Most importantly, however, she credits her colleagues with making every day enjoyable.
Sally commented: "I couldn't do my job without my team. My team is everything to me, genuinely."
From reception teams and orthodontic therapists to nurses, managers, treatment co-ordinators and fellow clinicians, Sally says the support of those around her has been central to her success.
Sally commented: "From my reception team, my orthodontic therapist, my nurses, my manager, my TCO, every single person in this building, my wonderful colleagues, I would not be able to do it without them. They really are what make it so enjoyable."
Join our orthodontic division
From specialist career pathways and dedicated clinical leadership to investment in technology and a culture that supports development, mydentist's orthodontic division offers clinicians the opportunity to build rewarding long-term careers.
If you're looking for your next opportunity in orthodontics, discover how you can grow your career with mydentist.