Conversations with Dental Friends
S6 Ep 8 : Are Dental Therapists Overlooking Paediatrics? Building Confidence with Bradley Wilson
Could paediatric dentistry unlock your full scope? Confidence, care and career growth What if a successful paediatric appointment does not end with completed treatment, but with a child feeling slightly safer than they did before? In this episode of Conversations with Dental Friends, Rachael is joined by dental therapist Bradley Wilson. Bradley’s career began with musical theatre, dance and performing as Billy Elliot in London’s West End. He explains how the discipline, professionalism and communication skills developed during that chapter of his life later transferred into dentistry. After returning home, Bradley left his A-level studies and trained as a dental nurse. Working alongside a dental therapist introduced him to a profession he had not previously known existed, inspiring him to complete an access diploma and study dental therapy in Sheffield. Bradley now works across a broad dental therapy scope, including periodontal care, examinations, restorative dentistry and paediatric treatment. He shares how treating children has strengthened his diagnostic skills, communication and confidence as a clinician. The conversation explores why paediatric treatment must be adapted to the individual child, how parents’ anxieties can influence an appointment and why clinicians should recognise small steps as genuine progress. Bradley also introduces Perfecting Paediatrics, his practical course designed to help dental therapists develop their confidence, clinical protocols and professional support network. In this episode Moving from the West End and musical theatre into dentistry Qualifying as a dental nurse before studying dental therapy Graduating during the pandemic and beginning clinical work in PPE Creating a varied, full-scope dental therapy role Building confidence in paediatric treatment and direct access Managing anxious children and working constructively with parents Using policies and protocols to develop effective skill mix Creating supportive education for dental therapists Silver diamine fluoride, fissure sealants and the stamp technique Why progress can matter more than completing treatment Links and resources mentioned Perfecting Paediatrics : Bradley’s practical paediatric dentistry course for dental therapists and dentists Upcoming BW Dental Therapy courses : Current course dates and registration information Bradley Wilson on Eventbrite : Bradley’s organiser page and available tickets BW Dental Therapy : Clinical education, course information and updates Delivering Better Oral Health : Evidence-based preventive guidance referenced during the conversation Connect with Bradley @bradsdentaljournal BW Dental Therapy Continue the conversation @conversationswithdentalfriends @homegirlhygienist Conversations with Dental Friends on Substack Conversations with Dental Friends on YouTube Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Homegirl Hygienist Sponsors A huge thank you to Oral-B and NSK for sponsoring Conversations with Dental Friends. Free career planning workbook If you would like the free Conversations with Dental Friends Career Planning Workbook, comment or message the word “link” and Rachael will send it to you. Follow the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and share this episode with a dental friend or practice team who would love to explore more paediatric dental therapy.
