Lesley Ruffle

Dental Therapist

I am originally from Scotland and qualified in 1976 from the School for Dental Auxilliaries in London. I have worked as a Dental Therapist in the Community Dental Service and in General Practice.

I took an eight year career break for my family. I now split my time between my role as Dental Therapist Tutor at the Eastman School of Dental Hygiene & Therapy in London and the hands on involvement in dental care at this practice.

My job is to support and prepare patients for all aspects of their dental treatment. This most importantly includes the ongoing care that ensures treatments are successful and long lasting. My involvement is particularly important where anxiety or medical problems need to be taken into account. In this respect, care of both young and elderly people requires my particular attention.

Dental Therapists have had big career developments since I qualified which has necessitated updating and reinforcing my skills and knowledge on a regular basis. There are only about 400 Dental Therapists practising int he UK at present. Therapists are a unique part of the dental team as we have lots of experience working with children and are qualified to provide the special care required to look after milk teeth.

There are many exciting developments in dental care and I am honoured to be working with a team committed to embracing these new ideas.