When did you first become interested in science?

 

Probably at the start of high school, when we were forced to choose a science to partake in. I realised I didn't want to pick one, I wanted to do all of them!

 

What path did you take to your career?

 

After graduating high school it's always tricky to choose what to study at university. I chose to study dentistry, because I've always had an interest in applied science and the human body. The dentistry degree was five years, which seemed really long at the time, but in the end I graduated way before some of my friends studying law and dual degrees. Although there was a lot of theoretical content in the course, there was a large practical component as well. We first started seeing patients in third year, and that was when I really began enjoying dentistry. 

 

What is an average day like in your job?

 

People think being a dentist must be a horrible job, but it's actually a lot nicer than you'd think. Every day I get to chat to a whole range of different people, and hear stories about what they're up to, holidays they're planning and events in their lives. Some patients are fairly apprehensive about dental visits, so it's great to be able to put their minds at ease and help them have a positive dental experience. Dentistry is a interesting field to work in, because you're constantly coming up against new challenges and learning new things every day.

 

What is the best thing that has happened in your job?

 

When you've been working at one place for a few years and have patients begin to return for regular checkups. You start to actually get to know people. I think that would be a really rewarding experience as the years go on, being able to watch your patients grow and progress. 

 

What advice would you give to a young aspiring scientist?

 

To stick at it, especially with study. In some degrees, you only get to learn the fun stuff after you've covered all the boring stuff, so stick in there long enough to make it over that hump.