Name: Ruth Singleton-Evans

Age: Do I have to say?

Town: Accrington

Hobbies: Socialising, running

Job? Dental Therapist

How did you get your job? I was on placement as a student and offered a permanent position on graduation!

How did you end up working in dentistry? My sister-in-law was a dental nurse and got me interested. I started work at the age of 16 as a dental nurse in a local practice. From there I worked in the PCT and local maxillofacial department until I applied for the Combined Diploma for Dental Hygiene and Therapy and was one of the first students to gain a place on the very first cohort of the outreach course run through Liverpool University Dental School

What do you enjoy most about your job? Meeting new people and helping patients overcome their phobia of coming to the dentist.

What is the most challenging part of your job? I work in a busy NHS practice so we see some very neglected mouths due to lack of knowledge, fear and lack of NHS provision. This can be a challenge, gaining patients trust and being sympathetic and empathetic.

Would you recommend a career in dentistry? Absolutely, if you want a career that is challenging, different every day and keeps you up-to-date with current research.

If you weren't working in dentistry, what would you be doing? A backing dancer for Kylie!