Joanna Galpin

Registered Dental Nurse

“I started working at the Exeter Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise in December 2024. I have worked in dentistry for 30 years and will enjoy supporting the students, whilst they are here. I qualified with the NEBDN in 1998 and completed a course in Radiography for Dental nurses, with Derriford Hospital in 1999. I have so far, enjoyed my journey with PDSE and look forward to gaining more experience so I can be of more support to the students in all aspects of dentistry, including dental radiography.“

“I began my dental career in 2013 as a Dental Nurse, a role that ignited my passion for the field and inspired me to further my education in Dental Hygiene Therapy. In 2020, I graduated from Peninsula Dental School, Plymouth with a BSc Hons Degree. I’ve gained valuable experience working in both NHS and private dental practices and currently enjoy working within Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE), a social enterprise dedicated to community-based dentistry.

Dentistry allows me to combine my deep understanding of oral disease with a commitment to preventative care. I have a particular interest in treatment and stabilisation, as well as a passion for paediatric dentistry, where I enjoy treating children. My approach prioritises working collaboratively with my patients to maintain their optimal oral health through education and personalised care. In my current role, I address patient’s general dental needs as well as providing treatment under inhalation sedation.

I appreciate being part of the large team at PDSE, where there is a wealth of knowledge across all departments. From the exceptional skills of the admin team to the extensive expertise of the oral surgery team, support is always available when needed, making it a rewarding and enjoyable place to work.”

Alexandra Ward

Registered Dental Therapist

Kelly Harbinson

Registered Dental Nurse

“When I started at Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise in 2012, I was looking for a place to learn and grow my career as a Dental Nurse.

I began my career as a Trainee Dental Nurse working on the bays with the dental students at Plymouth University, assisting them in their learning, alongside guided professionals, whilst learning myself along the way. PDSE works closely with Plymouth University to support the clinical tuition of its dental students – shaping the future of dentistry.

We have four Dental Education Facilities across Devon and Cornwall, offering services to the public via a course of treatment free of charge if eligible.

As Nurses, we guide the students in all aspects of dentistry from chairside assisting, infection prevention control, to patient communication.

PDSE has greatly supported me on furthering my profession and gaining some Post qualifications.

  • Once qualified, I applied to go onto the NEBDN Conscious Sedation course in 2015 and qualified in 2016, Allowing me to assist in the Intravenous and Inhalation Sedation clinics.
  • In 2018 I enrolled onto the BDA radiography course and qualified.
  • I qualified in Minor Oral Surgery Dental Nursing in 2024, and now work with the Oral Surgery Specialist(s) which I thoroughly enjoy!
  • We have Clinicians that provide general Dentistry in which I also assist in.
  • PDSE offer us CPD, Indemnity and Registration Fees and other schemes.

PDSE is a great place to work if you wish to progress your learning and career.”

“Since leaving school I have always had an interest in a dentistry career, In particular, dental nursing. I applied for a trainee dental nursing position within the school and was lucky enough to be offered a place on the course with three other girls. We were the first cohort to be trained in 2009 and qualified in 2011.

In 2011 I decided I wanted to remain working at the school as a qualified dental nurse and I have been here ever since. I feel I have gained valuable nursing skills and have a wealth of knowledge within my role as a dental nurse. The students I work alongside are professional and my colleagues are really supportive.

In previous years I have chairside nursed for a restorative dentist who placed implants and more recently with an oral surgeon, both in which I thoroughly enjoyed. I gained my radiography qualification in 2016 and PDSE funded the course. I use this daily with students on clinic and qualified clinicians. Additionally, I have the responsibility of ordering stock, and I am the team talk rep for our Derriford school. There are lots of opportunity to progress in different roles within your dental nursing career and PDSE. I enjoy working here and looking forward to further years.”

Charlotte Holland

Registered Dental Nurse

Karen Burn

Registered Dental Nurse

“My dental career started in 1988 when I decided I wanted to join the Royal Air Force as a dental nurse. After completing my basic and trade training I finally got posted to RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, where I thoroughly enjoyed learning all about military life. Over the next 6 years I served in RAF Wittering, RAF Guttersloh (Germany) & RAF Laarbruch (Germany) before finally leaving the forces to have my son.

Dentistry was never far from my thought, and as soon as I could I went back to work for the Army Dental Corp as a civilian, this time based in Andover looking after the teeth of the Army Air Corp.

In the next chapter of my life I found myself in Plymouth working at the Crescent Specialist Dental centre as an orthodontic and Implant nurse, where I gained my Specialist Radiography qualification.

I loved this new challenge and although very different from military life found it very rewarding. Before long I was offered a practice manager’s position in a large NHS practice in Plymouth. This was a very different focus, which had me thinking I would like to move into the word of education.

I joined the Peninsula Dental School in 2010 as a Lead Dental Nurse, managing the Derriford Dental Education Facility. This was just what I was looking for as it combined practice management and clinical knowledge alongside helping to support dental students. I really enjoyed being part of the team to form new dentists of the future.

In 2013 the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise took over the running of the education facilities, and new opportunities arose.

In 2015 I joined the Community Engagement team as an Oral Health Educator, this offered me new and exciting challenges, being able to move my focus from clinical work into the community. I was able to offer Oral Health Education to both clinical & non-clinical health professionals, also community groups and children.

I am now the Lead for the Dental Outreach Team and proud of the achievements the team have accomplished.

Working for PDSE has given me the opportunities and support to further my skills, in an ever- changing environment. Working on new projects and interacting with people from all walks of life makes my working day interesting and rewarding. Working with dental students is also really rewarding, knowing you are helping shape their future career.

Being able to help people to understand and gain knowledge of the importance of looking after their own oral health in a time when dentistry is limited is something that makes me feel valued, and in most cases is well received!

My past 15 years working for PDSE has been a positive experience and I have certainly enjoyed them, knowing I have the support to gain further qualifications and skills if I wanted too, is important to me as well as knowing there is a team of specialist behind me to help support me in my daily working environment.”