A young mum-of-two from Blackburn has moved a step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a dental therapist thanks to support from Training 2000.
This week Bethany Smithson, 28, has begun a degree in dental hygiene and therapy at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), following extensive support from the apprentice training provider.
Through Training 2000, Bethany has completed a Level 3 in Dental Nursing and re-sat both her English and maths GCSEs, as well as gaining valuable experience working as a Career Development Advisor within the Training 2000 dental team for the last five years.
The former Darwen Vale High School pupil left school more than ten years ago with no core GCSE’s and no real idea of what her future would hold.
She said: “I completed beauty therapy and legal secretary courses at college before having my first child when I was 17. It was when I went onto work as a part-time receptionist at Bateman and Best Dental Practice in Darwen that I realised I wanted to work in dental nursing and thankfully, through support from the Practice and Training 2000, I am now on my way to achieving this dream.”
Seeing Bethany gain skills and confidence, Bateman and Best Dental Practice supported her to study for her Level 3 in Dental Nursing with training provider and she continued working there until 2014 when she joined the staff at Training 2000.
“Working as a Career Development Advisor within the dental team really helped me further my knowledge of the industry and as I was able to re-take my GCSEs at the same time, it was even more beneficial” Bethany said. “Now, after having my second child and completing an access course, I am excited to become a UCLan student and begin my degree studies.”
Bethany’s tutor and Business Manager Rowena, at Training 2000 said: “We are really proud of Beth’s hard work and dedication to strive for this career progression to follow her ultimate aim to become a hygiene therapist. She is a role model to others and proves what is possible if you apply yourself and remain focused on what you want to achieve. The Uclan degree course will now be her next step and she has been accepted onto the course where only 15 are chosen out of 250 applicants. She is an ambassador to our current apprentices.”
Bethany added: “After completing my degree, I may go onto work in the NHS or complete another dentistry qualification.
My long-term dream is to open my own clinic with my sister, specialising in teeth whitening, scale and polish and other cosmetic procedures. It’s exciting to know I now have excellent career prospects and it began with Training 2000, who provided me with the experience, tools and knowledge which has proven invaluable.
“I have worked along-side some lovely and amazing colleagues in the amazing dental team at Training 2000.”
