From Trainee to Qualified Dental Nurse: Amber’s Story

Meet Amber

Qualifying as a dental nurse is a huge achievement — particularly when you're studying alongside working in practice.

Amber recently completed her dental nursing qualification with Infills Academy. We asked her to tell us a little about why she chose dental nursing, what she found challenging during her training, and what helped her along the way.

Now qualified, Amber is looking forward to developing her skills, gaining experience and exploring where her career in dentistry might take her next.

What made you decide to become a dental nurse?

“I decided to become a dental nurse as I wanted a career where I could work closely with people and make a positive difference to their experience. I’ve always been interested in healthcare, and dental nursing appealed to me because it combines patient care, teamwork and practical skills. I also liked the idea of having a career where I could continue learning and develop professionally.”

What was your experience like before starting the course with Infills Academy?

“Before starting my course with Infills Academy, I had some experience working within a dental practice, but I wanted to gain the proper knowledge and qualification to progress in my career. Working in practice gave me a good introduction to dental nursing, but there was still a lot I wanted to learn and understand in more depth. Starting the course helped me build on my practical experience and gave me a much stronger foundation.”

How did you find studying for the qualification alongside working in practice?

“At times it was challenging balancing studying with working in practice, but I found that the two complemented each other really well. Being able to put what I was learning into practice helped me understand things much more easily. It did require good organisation and time management, but seeing my knowledge and confidence grow made it worthwhile.”

Was there anything you found particularly challenging during your training?

“One of the biggest challenges was keeping up with coursework and assessments while also working in practice. There were definitely times when I felt under pressure, but I reminded myself why I started the course in the first place. Staying organised, managing my time and asking for help whenever I needed it really helped. The support from my tutors also gave me the confidence to keep going when things felt difficult.”

How did you find the support you received from Infills Academy?

“I found the support from Infills Academy really helpful throughout my course. Whenever I was unsure about something, I felt comfortable asking questions and getting guidance. Having that support made a big difference, especially when I was preparing for assessments or found something challenging. It was reassuring to know that I wasn’t doing everything on my own.”

Now that you’ve qualified, what’s next for you?

“Now that I’ve qualified, I’m really excited to continue developing my skills and gaining more experience as a dental nurse. I’d like to keep building my confidence, broaden my knowledge and explore different areas of dentistry. In the future, I’d also like to look into further qualifications and specialisms so that I can continue progressing within my dental nursing career. Qualifying feels like the beginning of the next stage for me, rather than the end of my learning.”

Thinking about becoming a dental nurse?

Amber’s story is a great example of what can be achieved by combining hands-on experience in practice with the right training and support.

At Infills Academy, we support trainee dental nurses across the UK as they work towards their NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing. From starting the qualification through to preparing for assessment and qualification, our team is here to provide guidance and support throughout the journey.