Reader panel

 

Rebecca Silver  

Rebecca Silver FdSc MSc RDN is a multi-award-winning dental nurse. She has worked within the NHS and private dentistry and has worked with numerous dental specialists. She has obtained post-qualification certificates in Oral Health Education and Conscious Sedation and an MSc in Advanced and Specialist Healthcare (Applied Dental Professional Practice). Rebecca has written a wide range of thought-provoking articles for BDJ Team.

 

 

Fiona Ellwood 

Fiona Ellwood Doctoral Researcher, MEd L.M, PG Cert HF, PG Cert PH, PG Cert MDent, BA (Hons) Ed S, PGCE is the Executive Director and Emeritus Chair of the Society of British Dental Nurses (SBDN) and the Acting Chair of The National Oral Health Group. She acts as a key opinion leader and is an advisor for oral health education and preventative programmes across the dental arena, as well as infection control and professional practice. She has been an examiner for NEBDN and writes prolifically, including articles for BDJ Team.

Fiona is a trained mentor, the founder of ‘Dental Mentoring Network’ and a member of Dental Mentors UK. She is an External Examiner in the UK and in Ireland and a GDC Education Associate and Registration Panel Member. She holds an MSc PG Cert in Human Factors for Patient Safety and leads the Human Factors in Dentistry Group. During the pandemic Fiona was a driving force behind Mental Health Wellness in Dentistry and is Co-Chair of the Mental Health Wellness in Dentistry Group. She is a p/t Academic Lead and Moderator for Dental Nursing at Bangor University Bangor.

She received an honorary Fellowship from the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners (UK) (the first DCP to do so), a Fellowship from the Faculty of Dental Trainers at the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, and a Fellow of the Institute of Administrators and Managers. She recently became a member of the Academy of Medical Educators and the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors.

Fiona is a trustee for Dentaid and a co-founder of the International Federation of Dental Assistants and Nurses (IFDAN) and speaks both nationally and internationally on a wide range of topics. She was hugely honoured to receive a Queen’s Honour in 2019 and has become a dental nurse historian.

Stephanie Boothroyd 

Stephanie began dental nursing in an NHS practice at the age of 19 and now has 18 years of experience. Once she had qualified, Stephanie joined a mixed independent practice and is still there today. She has gained additional post qualifications in dental radiography, dental nurse assessing/tutoring, and practice management.

Stephanie currently works as a CQC registered manager and is a tutor for DenTTrack & Glenys Bridges Academy, tutoring dental care professionals wanting to achieve post qualifications.

Stephanie says: ‘I have a passion for learning, leadership and training, sharing and growing others’ knowledge and skills to be their best self’.

Alison Brown 

Alison Brown MSc, BSc. Dip. Dental Hygiene, AFHEA is an award-winning dental hygienist living in Cornwall. She currently works in private practice and as a clinical supervisor at Peninsula Dental School. She is a GDC Education associate and an Honorary Ambassador for the Mouth Cancer Foundation.

Alison says: ‘I have a passion for education and research. I gained my MSc at the Eastman institute, UCL in Dental Hygiene in 2023. I was recommended for the Dean’s research prize.

‘I also have an interest in behaviour change, not only that of patients, but ours, as professionals. I am currently looking at the barriers that prevent us from discussing oral cancer and how to approach patients about this subject. I have spoken about this subject at the Oral Health Conference in the UK.’

Alison is a member of the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) and is part of the BSDHT working group promoting and offering mentoring and coaching for members of the BSDHT. She is also part of the BSDHT Education group.

Robert Leigh 

Robert started out as a dental nurse and went on to qualify as a dental hygienist and therapist from the Eastman Dental Hospital in 2021. He completed a PGDip in Periodontics the following year and is currently studying for a BSc (Hons) Management and Leadership in Health and Social Care degree with Anglia Ruskin University.

Robert splits his working week between NHS Community Dental Services in Oral Health Promotion and a Private Specialist Periodontal Practice, which he says allows him ‘a unique perspective on the dental landscape outside of the typical dental surgery’.

Lauren Long 

Lauren Long is a dental therapist with over 15 years’ experience, working exclusively in private practice in Edinburgh. She is a Clinical Educator, Lecturer and KOL [Key Opinion Leader] for several leading dental companies, as well as writing regular articles for professional publications. Lauren wrote the article ‘Dental therapy: The hidden superpower within your practice’ in BDJ Team in October 2022.

Lauren was awarded ‘Dental Therapist of the Year’ at The Dental Awards 2022, as well as ‘Best Therapist’ at the Dentistry Scotland Awards 2022.

Alongside her clinical work, Lauren currently holds the position of Therapist Clinical Director for Pain Free Dentistry Group, allowing her to explore her passion of supporting other dental therapists and hygienists to achieve the best possible working environment, whilst utilising their entire skillset to create a career they love.

Alizey Kazmi 

Alizey is an Oral Surgery Specialty registrar and Honorary Clinical Teacher currently working in Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, Sheffield as well as a Clinical Leadership Fellow working in CQC. Her interests are based in oral surgery, treating anxious patients, education and training as well as empowering future leaders in healthcare.

Alizey explored 'Why do children still have preventable caries?' for BDJ Team in 2021 and in 2025 will be looking at the importance of leadership for members of the oral healthcare team.

 

Cheryl Goodenough  

Cheryl Goodenough is the Health and Wellness Advisor for the Society of British Dental Nurses and Dental Nurse/Treatment Coordinator in general practice in Gloucestershire.

Cheryl has 25 years of experience in many areas of the dental nursing profession and holds post qualifications in dental radiography, oral health education, fluoride application, treatment coordination, and mental health at work first aid. She is currently completing Level 3 in Assessing Vocational Qualification.

Cheryl has a passion for running ultra marathons and has raised funds for many charities close to her heart.

Throughout her years in the dental industry, and a four-year career in entertainment, Cheryl has seen firsthand how vital it is to prioritise our health and wellbeing in and out of working life. As a Health and Wellness advocate, her goal is to help and inspire fellow dental professionals to focus on their health and wellbeing, including through writing for BDJ Team.

Join us

BDJ Team reader panellists write annually for BDJ Team and are involved with content discussions and feedback. If you are interested in joining the Reader Panel, please contact the Editor, Kate Quinlan.