JULIA WILKINSON

Oral Health Promotion Coordinator

Spring 2005 cover

Can you describe the experience of being on the cover of Vital?
2005 Julia Wilkinson

It was amazing! I felt so important and special. It was also really surreal when people emailed, phoned and called to say ‘hey, just seen you on the cover of a magazine.’ It would have been good to have been able to put some make up on!

How was the cover received by your colleagues/family?

My family were so proud. My daughters thought I was famous! I was also proud to say ‘hey, I've been a cover girl!’ It was also really positive for my career and my team. It showcases the work we do in such a big corporate organisation and shows that small teams like mine can have such a big impact.

Did you feel famous for a little while?

Definitely, if I am honest I still do. It will be an honour that I cherish and treasure forever.

Were you ever recognised at a dental event as a result of your cover?

Yes, I have been recognised. But that is often down to the large white sparkly Tooth Fairy Wings I am wearing! It's amazing that so many people see the magazine and they often said – ‘that's you isn't it?’ for quite a while after.

What you have been up to since you were on the cover of Vital?

We have grown in number within our oral health promotion team. We were two and now are five! We have moved from within Salaried Dental Services to within public health and are now finally a service within our own rights. We are now integral to all the community and have our own targets to meet. Some of the initiatives we have covered are: Oral Health Packs to all children at various ages via front line staff; Oral Health Passports for children; 2 Year Ticket for 2 year olds; 3 Year Birthday Card; Teeth Tools For Schools; Young People Project – aimed at year 7; Special Schools Accreditation Awards; Residential Homes Accreditation Awards; Dental Practice Accreditation Awards; Oral Health In The Community Awards; Fluoride Varnish Programme; Oral Health Network; our own Oral Health Website; Oral Health Resource Centre; Oral Health Training Programmes; and Oral Health Promotional Materials and literature.

What changes have you seen in your area of dentistry since your Vital cover?

Dentistry is forever evolving (as it should because people change) and we try to keep involved with that. We have strengthened links with all aspects of dentistry which has supported the work we are involved with. Our local Dental Contracts Teams have put the oral health initiatives within the new contracts which is great. Partnership working is the way forward. Public Health have also been a great strength to us, showing us new ways of working and increasing our confidence to go it alone. When we look back at who we were and what we were doing it seems like a lifetime ago!

Do you have any feedback about Vital on its ten-year anniversary?

Vital has something for everyone and is a great platform to be aware of.

Any personal achievements you would like to share?

Working with my fantastic team of Tooth Fairies; winning the Team of the Year 2010 (both Central and National areas) at the Dental Awards; still going strong amidst all the changes in the NHS and within dentistry ... being adaptable is a strength and makes us long-lasting – like our teeth! Also being a single Mum for over 11 years with two gorgeous girls growing up alongside me.

ASHLEY BYRNE

Managing Director, Byrnes Dental Laboratory

Spring 2012 cover

Can you describe the experience of being on the cover of Vital?
2012 Ashley Byrne

From the laboratory perspective it's been great promotion and we have had loads of great feedback. It allowed our customers to learn a little more about us both professionally and personally. My patients were thrilled to see me on the front cover of a dental magazine. It also allowed my patients to learn a lot more about me and the company. All in all appearing in Vital has been a great experience and has provided us with great promotion.

How was the cover received by your colleagues/family?

There were plenty of great comments as well as some mickey-taking but that was expected. My family, however, were really impressed and they all wanted their own copy to keep and show their friends.

Did you feel famous for a little while?

I lecture and speak a lot but usually only to dentists. As Vital covers the whole team, it was the nurses and practice managers that really noticed and they were the ones who commented the most. So yes, it did make me feel famous with nurses and practice managers.

Were you ever recognised at a dental event as a result of your cover?

Yes I was.

What you have been up to since you were on the cover of Vital?

I've grown the laboratory, worked hard on my CDT (clinical dental technician) qualification and recently installed a surgery in the laboratory.

What changes have you seen in your area of dentistry since your Vital cover?

Mostly positive changes: the lab is busier, patients are far more aware of CDTs and I've never worked more closely within the whole dental team as I am now. I'm very excited about the future of dentistry.

Do you have any feedback about Vital on its ten-year anniversary?

It's been great to see a magazine like Vital do so well and last the test of time. Roll on it's 15 and 20-year anniversary!

CHRISTINE MACLEAVY

Dental Therapist

Summer 2012 cover

Can you describe the experience of being on the cover of Vital?

It was very exciting, particularly the photoshoot.

How was the cover received by your colleagues/family?
2012 Christine Macleavy

My family and friends were very proud and supportive. Everyone read the article, even my co-workers! The only disappointment was that one of the dentists who I work for did not bother to read it! I gave two copies to my Dad for Father's Day and he sent one copy to my auntie in America. He was really pleased as I'm sure he has never really understood what I do for a living.

Did you feel famous for a little while?

Definitely. I even felt rather glamorous as well.

What you have been up to since you were on the cover of Vital?

More training and networking. Hoping to work with some lovely people at Ivoclar Vivadent in the future.

What changes have you seen in your area of dentistry since your Vital cover?

As I write this I have just heard about the GDC's decision on Direct Access. There are exciting times ahead!

Do you have any feedback about Vital on its ten-year anniversary?

I am proud to have been involved with Vital – articles printed and being featured in the magazine. Keep up the good work!boxed-text