In 2020, SpaDental had the foresight to sponsor dentists with overseas qualifications, registered with the GDC as therapists, who are waiting for the opportunity to sit exams to be recognised as dentists in England. They are a brilliant addition to our team! Using the mixed skills of the whole team, they are now central to the service we offer to patients.
SpaDental supports therapists so they can work to their full scope of practice. This means therapists can, for example, perform clinical examinations, develop treatment plans, and place fillings. Our therapists also play a pivotal role in providing preventive care for children. Their work as therapists is professionally rewarding.
Lucy Smith is Clinical Director for SpaDental, and a dentist at SpaDental Chard.
“In my role as Clinical Director, I enjoy helping colleagues to perform to high clinical standards. Understanding how training and operating procedures vary from country to country, I act as a mentor, helping clinicians new to practising in England understand how we work.”
Meet two of our dentists from overseas
Our dentists from overseas have made an incredible difference! Sai and Meghan joined SpaDental Southwest in November 2021. They came to England with the intention of sitting Overseas Registration Examinations (ORE) to be recognised by the GDC as dentists. In their home country, they are both qualified dentists. Until they have an opportunity to sit the exams they need to work as dentists, they are very busy seeing patients within their GDC recognised scope of practice as dental therapists. They are a fabulous addition to our team!
Sai Sravanai Inapagolla
“As an overseas Dentist with no clinical experience in the UK, I was a bit worried but my interview with Spa Dental was very promising and gave me confidence. After I accepted the job offer, they contacted my solicitor and made sure my visa process went smoothly. I was nervous on my first day, but the team were very friendly, showed me around and helped me settle. Over the next two days I met our clinical director who was supportive and understanding. We discussed working alongside a dentist, my scope of practice and direct access. She also suggested a few courses to help me get more familiar with UK dentistry. My team gave me all the support I needed, including help with the software to submit NHS claims. I enjoy working with Spa Dental and can’t wait to finish my ORE and start offering a wider range of treatments as a SpaDental dentist.
Sai’s patients say:
“This was first appointment in 3 years and I was a bit nervous. I needn’t have been – the therapist and the nurse were friendly and reassuring. My treatment was explained at every step and I was pleased to be involved in making decisions about my treatment plan.”
“5 star —I had a filling done by Sai. She gave the right amount of anaesthetic, was gentle and very precise with the procedure. All went very well. Would strongly recommend.”
“Everyone at the practice is so efficient and friendly. It’s a pleasure (!) to attend. Sai is so lovely. She is very good and always recommends the best thing for me. She has a gentle touch, even when doing something I normally hate!!!”
“The therapist, Sai, who treated me was outstanding. She was excellent at communicating what she was doing and took great care to make sure I was comfortable throughout the procedure.”
Meghana Palle
Meghan’s patients say:
“Meghan was absolutely amazing. Very efficient but also very patient with my daughter who was very anxious. Very satisfied with her excellent service.”
“Excellent service. Always very friendly and professional. Megan and her assistant are brilliant.”
“Brilliant team – I was lucky enough to have Meghan and having never had a filling in my life, I can safely say that I was dreading having my first! Her professionalism was spot on and she gave me the information I needed to decide on my treatment. The fillings themselves were done to an exceptional standard and I am extremely happy with the results. The colour match was perfect! It was also done without any pain at all (which was a bonus). Well done team SpaDental.”
“Very pleased with both the treatment and the friendly attitude of all staff. This time it was a visit to the therapist Meghana. She was very thorough and professional as well as kind and considerate.”
A dental therapist’s role
Our current vacancies for dental therapists
Dental therapists have a broad scope of practice as outlined by the GDC. Employed and recognised as dental therapists, our dentists with overseas qualifications work within the framework below until they receive GDC recognition to work as dentists.
