Life as a Dental Therapist: My Journey, Challenges & Why I Still Love It
If you’d told me years ago that dentistry would become not just my career, but also a huge part of my identity online, I’m not sure I would’ve believed you. My journey into dental therapy wasn’t about having everything perfectly planned — it was about curiosity, growth, and finding a role that genuinely fits who I am.
My background & why I chose dentistry
I qualified as a dental therapist in 2020 after studying at the University of Leeds. Like many people, I didn’t grow up knowing exactly what a dental therapist was — but once I discovered the role, it just clicked. I loved the combination of science, healthcare, patient interaction, and the ability to make a visible difference in someone’s confidence and wellbeing.
The reason Dental Therapy stood out to me, though, was how misunderstood the role is. Many people don’t know what a dental therapist does, and others assume we’re “just teeth cleaners” or a lesser version of another role. In reality, dental therapists are highly skilled clinicians with a broad scope of practice, playing a vital role in modern dentistry.
What really drew me in was the balance dentistry offers: it’s hands-on, people-focused, constantly evolving, and allows you to build long-term relationships with patients. Dental therapy felt like the perfect blend of independence, skill, and purpose — and it still does.
Balancing clinical work with content creation
Alongside my clinical work, I create content online through FreyaDental — sharing life in dentistry, education, and the reality behind the scenes. Balancing the two definitely isn’t always easy, but I’ve learned that consistency doesn’t have to mean doing everything all the time.
I plan content around my real life, not the other way around. Some weeks are quieter online, and that’s okay. I try to batch content when I have energy, listen to my body, and protect my rest just as much as my productivity. Burnout helps no one — especially in healthcare — so boundaries are essential.
That lack of understanding of Dental Therapy is exactly what pushed me to want to represent the profession more openly. I wanted to show what dental therapy really looks like — the skill, the responsibility, the impact — and to help both patients and students see its true value.
The biggest challenge in my day-to-day work
One of the biggest challenges I face as a dental therapist is the emotional side of patient care. Many patients come in anxious, embarrassed, or with negative past experiences, and it takes time, patience, and empathy to rebuild that trust.
There’s also the physical demand — dentistry is tough on the body — and the mental load of always striving to deliver high-quality care in a fast-paced environment. It’s rewarding, but it’s not effortless, and I think it’s important to be honest about that.
What I love most about being a dental therapist
Despite the challenges, I genuinely love what I do. Helping patients feel more confident, seeing improvements in their oral health, and knowing I’ve played a role in changing their experience of dentistry is incredibly fulfilling.
I also love the autonomy dental therapy offers and how versatile the role is — clinically, academically, and creatively. It’s a career that allows growth in so many directions, and that’s something I really value.
Advice for students & young women considering dental therapy
If you’re thinking about dental therapy, my biggest advice is this: don’t underestimate yourself. You don’t have to fit a single mould to succeed in dentistry. There is space for ambition, creativity, softness, leadership — all of it.
Be prepared to work hard, but also remember why you started. Ask questions, find mentors, protect your wellbeing, and don’t be afraid to carve your own path within the profession. Your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be valid or successful.
Final thoughts
Dental therapy has given me a career I’m proud of, opportunities I never expected, and a platform to show the real, human side of dentistry. Whether I’m in clinic or creating content, my goal is the same: to educate, inspire, and make people feel a little more confident — patients and professionals alike.
If you’re at the beginning of this journey, trust yourself. You might be surprised where it takes you 