Hear from our staff

My name is Lisa Wagg, I am a Dental Nurse, working in the Community Dental Services team.    

I’ve always enjoyed helping people and wanted a career where I could make a real difference. Dentistry appealed to me because it combines healthcare, hands-on skills, and patient interaction, no two days are ever the same. I loved the idea of supporting people to feel more confident about their smiles and helping them when they’re in pain or anxious.  

I started my dental nursing career in 1996 when I was 18 years old. My first role was in a busy NHS practice with five surgeries and a large, supportive team. It was an incredible environment to learn in, fast-paced and full of opportunities to develop my skills and confidence.  

From there, I was headhunted to join a start-up dental clinic, which was very exciting . I helped create the clinical environment from the ground up, choosing equipment and materials, and shaping how the practice would run. During this time, I also gained unique experience working in a dental clinic that supported a Young Offenders Institution: A challenging but rewarding opportunity that strengthened my ability to care for patients from all walks of life .  

A major milestone for me was joining Walsall Manor Hospital in the Maxillofacial Department, where I also took on orthodontic nursing duties. I spent over five years there and discovered my true passion for oral surgery it’s where I really felt at home in my profession.  

Later, I worked in a mixed NHS and private practice and also did some locum nursing, which gave me a wider perspective on different patient needs and practice styles. Another big milestone came when I relocated to Worcester after my divorce and joined the community dental team . It was a completely new challenge for me, but I quickly realised how rewarding community dentistry can be.  

Since then, I’ve trained in conscious sedation and I’m currently updating my Dental Radiography qualification. My long-term plan is to complete further qualifications in Oral Health Education and Specialist Paediatric Dental Care.  

Yes, I’ve worked across a wide range of settings, including NHS practices, private clinics, hospitals, and now community dentistry.  

NHS practice gave me a strong foundation and the ability to manage busy days and varied cases.  

Working within the Hospital/maxillofacial department deepened my interest in oral surgery and helped me build confidence with more complex procedures. Working within the community dental service has shown me how powerful compassion and patience can be, especially when supporting patients who need extra care.  

Each role has helped me grow both professionally and personally, and I’m grateful for the variety of experiences I’ve had.  

The most rewarding moments are seeing patients leave the surgery feeling better than when they arrived, especially those who came in anxious or in pain. Helping someone gain confidence and trust in dental care is incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me every day why I chose this profession.  

If you’re caring, enjoy working with people, and love to learn, dental nursing could be the perfect career for you. It’s varied, rewarding, and full of opportunities to grow. My advice is to stay open-minded, be patient with yourself, and never underestimate the value of empathy and humour in your day-to-day work.