Megan was born and raised in Newport, South Wales, before leaving for university in 2010. Growing up, she had a strong interest in science and working with people, and knew she wanted to pursue dentistry by the age of 14. While no one in her family worked in the field, she was still drawn to it as a career and at age 16 she had the opportunity to do work experience with the Community Dental Service, which focuses on treating adults and children with additional needs. Observing this branch of dentistry inspired her to explore it further.
Megan says:
When I started dental school at Cardiff University in 2005, I already had a clear idea that Special Care dentistry was my goal. I graduated in 2010 and began my career with a strong foundation in this niche area, thanks to my early exposure and consistent focus.
After graduating, I spent a year in a Dental Foundation Training practice in Swansea, gaining valuable experience in routine dentistry. From there, I pursued Dental Core Training roles across Wales, working in Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff and Swansea. These roles were diverse and rewarding, involving everything from treating patients in care homes and psychiatric hospitals, to providing dental care in Cardiff Prison and dental hospitals. This variety allowed me to hone my skills and deepen my understanding of special care dentistry.
In 2014 I joined the Community Dental Service in Swansea as a Community Dental Officer, a role that enabled me to focus exclusively on vulnerable patient groups. Over the years, I treated children in care, individuals with autism, older adults with dementia and others who required tailored dental care. This work was incredibly fulfilling, as it allowed me to make a tangible difference in the lives of patients who often face barriers to accessing standard dental services.
During my time in the Community Dental Service, I was fortunate enough to be able to start a family and currently have two children. I took maternity leave and returned to work part-time to maintain a healthy work life balance between my career and family life. In 2020, I took on the role of Senior Dental Officer, which involved greater leadership responsibilities, including supervising Dental Core trainees. While I loved my work, I began to feel that advancing to the specialist level would allow me to make an even greater impact as specialist training would enable me to manage complex cases, such as leading general anaesthetic lists for patients with severe autism, or other needs that make conventional treatment difficult or impossible.
However, Specialty Training posts in Special Care dentistry are rare, often coming up only every few years. Many were located in East Wales, which would have required significant commuting, which of course would have been particularly challenging with two young children. When a new post was created in Swansea in 2023, it felt like the perfect opportunity to advance my career without uprooting my family.
Remaining in Wales has always been important to me. My husband is a Welsh teacher and our children attend a Welsh-medium schools, which enables us all to speak Welsh at home and in the local community. Swansea is not only a beautiful place to live, with stunning beaches and family-friendly activities, but it also offers affordable housing compared to other parts of the UK. Having family nearby for support has been invaluable, especially during the demands of specialty training.
The Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) team has been incredibly supportive throughout my journey. From recognising my prior experience during the application process to accommodating my request to train part-time, their flexibility has made balancing work, training, and family achievable. This respect for experience reflects Wales’s commitment to retaining and supporting experienced dental professionals.
Special Care Dentistry requires three years of specialty training, and I began my programme in September 2023. Thanks to the flexibility of part-time training, I work 3.5 days a week, which allows me to maintain my work-life balance. My training is split between community and hospital settings, giving me a comprehensive understanding of the specialty.
Wales also offers excellent networking opportunities for dental professionals. HEIW has introduced face-to-face events for Specialty Trainees across disciplines like Orthodontics, Restorative Dentistry and Special Care, fostering a strong sense of community and peer support. Despite being based in Swansea, I’ve also had opportunities to contribute to national projects and attend conferences, thanks to Wales’s excellent connectivity.
Looking towards the future, in five years, I hope to have completed my Specialty Training and be working as a Consultant in Special Care dentistry in Wales. My ultimate goal is to continue serving vulnerable patients while maintaining the balance I’ve worked so hard to achieve. I’m proud to be training in a supportive environment that values my well-being and allows me to grow both professionally and personally.
For anyone considering a career in dentistry, or Special Care dentistry specifically - Wales offers unparalleled opportunities, from flexible training pathways to a wonderful quality of life. It’s a place where you can truly thrive.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience, please accept these so we can deliver a more reliable service.
To find out more, read our privacy statement and cookie policy.