She became Head of the Academic Unit of Dental Hygiene & Dental Therapy at the School in 2010 and has since then provided inspirational leadership to her team as well as being an outstanding teacher. The Academic Unit of Dental Hygiene & Dental Therapy have been commended in their most recent inspection by the GDC for ensuring that students benefit from a “well-structured course” that “prepares them exceptionally well for practice as a newly qualified registrant.” Emma has published research on “near to peer teaching” in hygiene and therapy arguing that this model of teaching should be adopted further in these programmes. She is involved in National Leadership working with the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT), is Chair for Royal College of Surgeons, Faculty of General Dental Practice, Diploma in Dental Hygiene, Diploma in Dental Therapy Examinations and is a Member of the Directors of Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy Programmes and Tutors of Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy Groups.
As well as treating patients herself, Emma supervises students undertaking patient treatment alongside teaching a whole range of topics on the dental hygiene and therapy course. She is a senior leader at the School of Clinical Dentistry working with the Dental School Executive to continually improve our School and its processes and environment. Emma is an incredible leader, her team are very cohesive and hard-working and there is very little turnover in staffing. Over the last year she and her team have been at the forefront of the School’s response to the COVID pandemic providing inspirational support and leadership in such challenging times.
What is the one thing that has helped you the most in your career to date?
Fellow colleagues. During my dentistry career I have come across many colleagues that have supported me and given me confidence to take my career further. Without this support I don’t think I would be where I am today. I have met many inspirational and well regarded colleagues that even though they are under pressure with their own work have always had time for me. Some of these colleagues have spurred me on even when I had doubts about my own abilities.
What is the key thing that has hindered or challenged you to date in your career?
Imposter syndrome or imposterism. I’m not sure when this started for me but it can be very challenging at times. Although not an official syndrome I can definitely resonate with all the associated ‘symptoms’. I’ve often said that how I got into dentistry in the first place and my subsequent roles have been down to being in the right place at the right time, and I never give myself credit for my strengths and abilities.
What advice would you give to young female academics starting out on their careers now?
Stop comparing yourself to others!