At mydentist Thetford, Lewis is a standout team member - valued not just for his skills but for his unconventional journey into dental nursing. A qualified plumber, Lewis finished his trade apprenticeship in 2022 before starting work on construction sites and in his local community, piping boilers and fixing taps.   

Lewis's journey from plumbing to dental nursing is a realistic example of how skills from one profession can transfer to another, sometimes in unexpected ways. Whether you're curious about a career change or interested in the daily life of a dental nurse, learn more about Lewis' experiences with the UK's leading provider of dentistry and his advice for those considering a career in dental nursing.   

A day in the life of a mydentist dental nurse  

Lewis starts his day early, setting up treatment rooms with the same precision he once applied to fixing pipes and installing boilers. The skills he learned during his three-year plumbing apprenticeship have proven surprisingly helpful within dentistry. His attention to detail remains a key aspect of his work, ensuring that all equipment is ready for the day's patients.  

One of the biggest changes for Lewis has been the types of interaction he has with people. As patients arrive, Lewis plays a crucial role in welcoming them. During his plumbing days, conversations were often casual and sometimes fleeting. Now, he finds himself engaging with patients in a more personal and meaningful way. "I used to work on-site, which used to be full of big personalities and big opinions," Lewis adds.   

One of the more involved aspects of his role is advising patients about the procedures they're about to undergo. This can involve reviewing consent forms, explaining what will happen during the treatment, and offering basic oral healthcare advice post-treatment.  

With the move from plumbing to dentistry came new insight into people's lives, especially older people. "For some of these older patients, their dental visit might be the only time they talk to someone all week," Lewis says, observing the importance of dental nurses in the lives of their more vulnerable patients.  

At the end of the day, Lewis will inventory equipment and close surgeries, ensuring everything is prepared for the next morning.  

What advice do you have for aspiring dental nurses?   

As the day wraps up, Lewis often thinks about his unique career path and what he's learned. He's quick to offer practical advice to those considering a similar move: "Embrace the opportunity, integrate with the team, and let your unique perspective enrich the profession."  

Being one of the few men in a predominantly female-led field has also been an interesting experience for Lewis. "It's nice when people comment on it," he reflects, "I have three older sisters so integrating with the team was easy, now I'm just one of the girls!"   

"It was scary to start again, to jump into something I knew nothing about." Lewis admits. Ultimately, moving into dentistry was the right choice, as now he confidently states: "I just like my job."  

Whether fixing taps or assisting in dental procedures, Lewis has found a way to transfer his skills into his new role, and he's a testament to the idea that it's never too late to try something new.  

Join mydentist as a student or trainee dental nurse  

At mydentist, we believe it's never too late to start your career as a dental nurse. With pathways for those who are entirely new to nursing and those who already have a little experience under their belt, it's no surprise that hundreds of candidates choose us to help facilitate their training across the UK each year.   

We're proud to support dental nurses through the first steps in their careers, ensuring they learn everything they need to know to deliver outstanding patient care with the support of the UK's leading provider of dentistry. In the 2022-2023 financial year, student nurses made up 47.4% of our intake, 46.5% in 2023-2024, and 33% so far in 2024-2025 - our experience ensures we're confident in the support system we've developed to help you succeed in your new career.  

If you're keen to learn more about a career in dental nursing but are new to the industry, visit our student dental nurse page for more information on starting your training.  

Those already working towards a dental nurse qualification or apprenticeship may be eligible to join mydentist and continue your training with your external course provider rather than start the mydentist NEBDN accredited level 3 course. Find out more today.   

We also are happy to welcome fully–qualified dental nurses to help us provide outstanding care in one of our 530+ modern practices across the UK – learn more about joining mydentist as a dental nurse today.