I read with great interest your case study of dental vs. medical nursing (Vital spring 07 pages 26-28).

I qualified as a medical nurse in 1989, but after six years, became disillusioned with the lack of opportunities which I experienced during my time as a staff nurse, as well as bullying and nepotism.

I decided to change to dental nursing where I found I was able to work in ‘real’ nursing, spending time with the people who matter in nursing: the patients.

I have been given so much scope to develop my career in dentistry, much more so than in medical nursing, where I am sure I would have remained as a staff nurse had I not taken the initiative and moved into dentistry.

I am currently in my second year of a Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Therapy at Leeds Dental Institute which I find challenging but extremely rewarding and I am grateful to my dental colleagues who encouraged me to pursue further study.

The current registration regulations and future CPD requirements serve only to elevate dental nursing to where it should have always been: a profession, alongside our fellow health care professionals.

Lyndsay wins Beverly Hills Formula dental whitening products (£100 RRP) courtesy of Beverly Hills.