Cleveland Orthodontics in Middlesbrough

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Melanie Wilson

GDC No. 117535

Orthodontic Therapist

Melanie Wilson

Dental Nurse, Certificate in Dental Radiology and Orthodontic Nursing, Impression Taking
and Dental Photography. Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy

Experience

Melanie started her first trainee dental nursing job in 1997 and gained her dental nurse qualification in 1998. She then worked at several practices (generally within the same company), adapting to how each practice operated and getting to know the different clinicians and personalities. In 2003 she gained a certificate in Dental Radiology at the University of Northumbria.

Melanie joined Cleveland Orthodontics in 2008 as a dental nurse and gained her certificate in Orthodontic Nursing. She worked as a nurse for four years, working up to Head Nurse and then becoming an Orthodontic Therapist in 2013.

Training and background

Melanie’s orthodontic nurse training was predominantly in practice, using set log sheets to cover a multitude of orthodontic tasks and travelling to Wakefield college for classroom based learning. Approximately four years later, she was asked if she would like to do the Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy. Already having a keen interest in the orthodontics, she felt it was the perfect opportunity to progress in her career in something she had a flare and passion for.

Melanie obtained her Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy in 2013. The training was intensive, with the first four weeks spent studying away from home at Leeds Dental Institute, then a year of practice based learning which involved several trips to the Royal College of Surgeons in London.

Areas of speciality/knowledge/skills

Although Melanie’s passion is orthodontics, she has also gained knowledge and skills in general dentistry over the years, working chair-side and assisting dentists in crown preparations, root canal therapy, extractions, prosthetics and general routine examinations. During this time she has also worked as a dental receptionist, which is how she learned most of her computer skills as well as patient/time management.

Melanie likes all aspects of her job, though she enjoys fitting fixed appliances in particular. She takes great pride in treating patients who have learning difficulties, aspergers or autism, and feels her personal attributes and qualities are best applied in these areas.

Melanie has been heavily involved in staff training, particularly with nurses undertaking their orthodontic nursing qualification. This includes working with them on a daily basis, setting them questions and explaining many aspects of orthodontics. The feedback has been very positive from both managers and nurses and Melanie is proud of the subsequent high pass rates achieved.

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Treatments carried out

Awards & charities

Melanie takes part in the practice’s work supporting several charities. She was part of our team that entered an ‘It’s a Knockout’ event, which was a lot of hard work and very wet! She found it interesting to see workmates out of their comfort zones, working together and having a lot of fun whilst raising money for a worthy charity, Daisy Chain.

Melanie has also been involved in several fundraising events at the practice, doing bake sales (delicious cakes baked by our staff), tombolas and raffles to money for charities such as Macmillan, Cancer Research, Great North Air Ambulance and the Raven Trust.

Melanie was a part of a group from the practice that attended the Dentistry Awards in Leicester, where we were runners up for Best Website. She enjoyed being part of producing our website, doing role play and demonstrations for patients.

Teamwork

Melanie believes that teamwork is paramount for an efficient working day. She works closely with Sharon and Lisa, who manage her diary. She has great respect for all our reception staff, who manage patients and help make her day run smoothly. She works exceptionally well with all the nurses and always finds that they are well organised and prepared to assist her.

Melanie feels that the team all work well together and support each other – which is often needed during a hard day or with personal matters. She says “Each role within the practice carries with it many challenges – so if we support each other as best as we can, it helps to make things easier for everyone. Not only this, but you also become friends and not just ‘work colleagues’.”

Outside of work

Melanie is Mum to two adorable girls, age 10 and 16. They enjoy cycling as a family, walking their two dogs and spending time with family and friends. Melanie also enjoys kickboxing with her eldest daughter and attends classes on a regular basis. Between work and a big house renovation project, she finds it a good way to alleviate any tension! She likes to go running as often as she can to relax and keep fit.

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