Gosia Ciepiela discusses the ‘incredible’ moment of winning Best Clinical Dental Technician and what it means to her.
Please introduce yourself
My name is Gosia Ciepiela and I am a clinical dental technician (CDT) based in Scotland. I am originally from Poland but I have been living in Scotland for almost 15 years.
I work as a CDT in two dental clinics, Falkirk Dental Care and Loanhead Dental Practice, with a team of amazing dentists and dental care professionals (DCPs). Apart from working in the clinic and treating patients, I work with oral surgeons providing technical support on full arch immediate restorations.
How and why did you become a clinical dental technician?
I started my dental journey in 2012 as a trainee dental nurse in a mixed general practice in Aberdeen and qualified with a NEBDN diploma in 2014. I was very passionate about my work and developed a big interest in prosthodontics.
Working alongside implant surgeons and dentists with an interest in restorative dentistry, I was inspired by dental technology and decided to study it at Edinburgh College. During that time, I had met inspiring CDTs and realised that this is exactly what I wanted to do! I thought that, with my dental nursing background and technical skills, I will be able to make a real difference to denture patients.
After qualifying as a dental technician, the practice where I was still working as a dental nurse offered to support me through my CDT training. It was a truly life-changing experience.
Why did you enter the 2023 Dentistry Awards?
I have been working with award-winning dentists and DCPs and was always encouraged to enter the awards. I was very happy to see a category for CDTs for the first time as I feel that we are the group that is often left out in dental awards. I felt that this would be an amazing opportunity to promote myself as a CDT but also help to promote CDTs as a group.
How did it feel to win best clinical dental technician?
It was an incredible feeling to hear my name called as a winner, especially since there were another three incredibly talented and experienced finalists. I feel truly honoured and grateful, mostly because I did not expect it!
What does winning the award mean to you?
It is an amazing accomplishment on both a professional and personal level. It was a great opportunity to reflect on my work as a CDT and the way I deliver care to my patients. I strive to deliver the highest quality level of care and support I can. Being awarded for this means a lot to me.
What advice would you share with other CDTs?
My advice is to remember that we are part of the dental team and we must work closely with other clinicians and DCPs to benefit our patients. Oral hygiene education and utilising dental therapists, hygienists and hypnotherapists can make a huge difference to the management of denture patients.
Learning communication skills, patient management, and management of previous dental and medical history is just as important as being able to design and construct high quality dental prostheses.
What is next for you? What are your ambitions for the future?
I want to focus on personal development and expanding my referral network with local dentists. In addition, I am booked on several courses to build my clinical and technical skills utilising digital dentistry. I was presented with an amazing opportunity to get involved in teaching and supporting other dental technicians with a group of super inspiring ladies from Night Shift.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would like to thank FMC and Laboratory for their support of dental technicians and clinical dental technicians, and for promoting our roles throughout the dental industry
The Dentistry Awards return for 2024!
Registration is now open for the 2024 Dentistry Awards, one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. For more information and to register your interest, visit dentistry.co.uk/awards/the-dentistry-awards
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