Developing new ways of delivering dental care in the South West
Liz Eilertsen used her skills and further study to set up a new and thriving practice in a part of the UK deprived of dental care
Dentistry is so much more than just teeth – Peninsula gave me a strong dental foundation and now I run my own practice.
Liz Eilertsen, BDS Dental Surgery, MSc Oral Surgery
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BDS Dental Surgery
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?Graduated 2019
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MSc Oral Surgery
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?Postgraduate Certificate in Dental Education
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Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons (MFDS RCS [Eng])
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Director of Eilertsen Dental Care
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Clinical supervisor with Peninsula Dental School
When considering where to apply, I loved the very early clinical exposure at Plymouth’s Peninsula Dental School, treating real-life patients under supervision within six months of starting the course. It really suited me, and the enquiry-based learning style allowed me freedom to have guided learning rather than didactic teaching.
Freedom to follow my interests
The spiral curriculum of education at the University allowed me the freedom to follow my own interests within a guided framework. In our early years, we had life science teaching which underpinned our case-based learning. Our lecturers were inspiring; practising dentists or scientists with research projects running concurrently.
The team at the University’s Peninsula Dental School also highlights how dentistry is a career with many opportunities – direct patient care, teaching, research, business and legal to name but a few.
The clinics taught us to see patients holistically – it's never just a case of treating a tooth then going home; there's so much else that you're taught and encouraged to explore, and it really kickstarted my career path.
I've become an advocate for the dental school and, despite being from Scotland, I knew I wanted to stay based in Plymouth after graduating.
Building qualifications and giving back
Since graduating, I've achieved further professional postgraduate qualifications: Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons (MFDS RCS [Eng]), and a Postgraduate Certificate in Dental Education.
I also undertook MSc Oral Surgery at the
Peninsula Dental School
and plan to go on to place dental implants and use sedation techniques. I really wanted to maintain contact and give back to the University too, so I’m also a part-time clinical supervisor with the dental school, helping early-years students develop their clinical skills.
A much-needed new dental practice
The biggest leap was when I opened my own practice (Eilertsen Dental Care), welcoming the first patients in August 2022. The Plymouth-based practice now has three operational surgeries, with two more planned. Dental therapists are fully supported alongside dentists, allowing all of the team to undertake their full scope.
The current team is made up of six dentists and four therapists (six of whom, like me, are graduates of the University of Plymouth’s Peninsula Dental School). We have also had nurses who have now gone on to join the Dental Therapy course at Peninsula. I’m really keen to emphasise the empowerment of nurses and provide further in-house training here too.
Since opening 18 months ago we have gone on to win the prestigious dentistry award ‘Best New Practice, South’ which has given us a real boost and helps motivate our directions.
Improving dental care in the South West
Going forward, I’d really like to include a surgery dedicated to dental nurses who have enhanced training, allowing them to carry out various enhanced tasks including impressions, radiology, photography, oral health education and fluoride application.
I’d also like to develop a 'Kid's Club' aimed at changing the way children experience dental care. The club will provide examinations, oral hygiene instruction and dental health games in a fun and engaging space. There's a huge problem with children's teeth in the South West – with tooth decay much higher than the national average – so to help prevent problems from happening would be really beneficial.
Care that is fully integrated into the local community
We have been working with Wendy Smith MBE who is a member of Well Connected, a local community active charity, and works closely with Peninsula Dental School supporting their community engagement programme. At the practice, we are trying to develop this by working toward an outreach programme where we can deliver interventions with vulnerable groups.
We are trying hard within the practice to develop a new way of delivering dental care, which is a professional extension of the Peninsula dental teaching. Not just treating teeth, but fully integrating in the community and trying to reduce the barriers found in accessing dental care.
In the longer term, I also want to establish a study club where guest speakers can deliver training sessions which can be hosted in the practice itself.
To anyone embarking on a dental degree, I’d say go for it! Dentistry is so much more than just teeth – Peninsula gave me the best foundation and now I run my own practice. Take every patient opportunity you can, especially direct patient care.
Get as much experience as you can and enjoy every bit of it – you never know where it could take you.
Study dentistry at Plymouth
Our three core aims – outstanding clinical education; strong social engagement; and world-class research – feature strongly in your learning experience when you come to study dentistry with us. Our close relationship with NHS partners, ultramodern facilities, and inclusive culture give our students the best possible start on their career path.
We are looking for highly motivated and talented students to join us and become the next generation of dentists.
