After five years of study, Sophie Gilmour – now a qualified dentist – returned to Middlesbrough College to share her experience, eager to inspire other students to pursue their dream careers.
Sophie said: “I went on to study Dentistry at the University of Liverpool for five years. It was really intense, but I genuinely loved every minute of it. Liverpool is an amazing city – I’ll definitely miss living there, but I’m so happy to be back home!
“My training was hands-on from the very beginning. I spent two years studying anatomy, including practical sessions with phantom heads and even cadavers. I saw my first patient in my first year, and by my final year, I was managing cases as if I were already in practice.”
Now graduated, Sophie is undertaking a year of foundation training in a dental practice in Marton, working alongside a mentor to further refine her skills.
She said: “When you finish your degree, you have to list your preferences for where you’d like to complete the foundation training, but places are assigned randomly, so it could be anywhere in the UK. I wanted to stay in the North East with my family, and I was lucky enough to get my first-choice practice in my first-choice area. I was thrilled!”
Her foundation training includes weekly courses covering advanced techniques such as digital dentistry and new filling materials. She said: “Once I’ve completed my training, I plan to stay local, working in a dental practice to build my skills and really learn my trade. My long-term goal is to open my own practice one day.”
Now both a doctor and a qualified dentist, Sophie credits Middlesbrough College for kickstarting her journey and helping her achieve her career goals.
She said: “The support I received at Middlesbrough College was incredible. I originally studied at another college where I was told I didn’t have what it takes to become a dentist, and they suggested I choose different subjects. However, it was a completely different story when I joined the Access to Science course at Middlesbrough College.
“I was nervous at first, but Lee, my tutor, was amazing. From day one, he told me that if I wanted to become a dentist, they’d do everything they could to help me get there – and they did. The careers team were great too, helping with my UCAS application, personal statement, and even interview prep.
“Knowing that people believe in you can make a world of difference. Everyone was so positive, and it really made my experience at the college special.”
Middlesbrough College didn’t just help Sophie reach her career goals – it also brought her a best friend. She said: “I met my best friend on the course and now she’s going to be my bridesmaid next May! We met at the very beginning and have been close ever since.”
For anyone thinking about returning to education to study an Access course, Sophie offers this advice: “Just take that first step. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, take small steps until you get where you want to be.
“I had a stable career in motor vehicle sales before studying at Middlesbrough College, but it wasn’t what I wanted to do. It was scary to make the change, but I took the risk to take that first step forward, and now I’m in my dream career!”
Our Access to Higher Education (Science) qualification is designed to help you build the knowledge, confidence and real-world skills you need for a variety of subject areas, including psychology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, dentistry, and many more.
Take your first step today by exploring our Access to Science course or view the full range of Access to HE Diplomas to find your perfect career path!