Sarah McKimm shares her advice with a dental nurse who is questioning whether she should be more ambitious in her career.
The scenario
I’ve been a dental nurse for more than a decade and I genuinely love what I do – supporting patients, keeping things running smoothly, and being part of a close-knit team. I work part-time so I can be there for my young children, and while my job can be busy and stressful at times, I go home feeling fulfilled.
The problem is my husband thinks I’m wasting my potential. He keeps suggesting that I should train as a dental hygienist or dental therapist to move up in my career. He says it would be better for our finances and that I’m too smart to stay ‘just’ a nurse. I know he means well, but his comments are starting to make me feel small as if what I do now doesn’t count for much.
I know dental hygienists and dental therapists do brilliant work, and I really respect them, but it’s not something I’ve ever aspired to myself. Training would mean years of study and student debt, as well as less time with my family. More importantly, I’m happy where I am. I take pride in being a dental nurse and see it as a skilled, respected profession – not just a stepping stone.
Should I be more ambitious? How can I help my husband understand that being a dental nurse is not settling?
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