The UK’s professional association for dental nurses, the British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) and the Oral Health Foundation (OHF) are very excited to introduce the Janet Goodwin Educational Grant, a financial award, to help dental nurses achieve their full potential, through education and dental qualifications.

Student dental nurses who are funding their dental nursing examinations themselves can apply for the bursary to help cover course and examination fees – up to £500*.  Registered Dental Nurses wishing to further their dental nursing careers by taking extended duties courses such as:

• Oral health education
• Dental radiography
• Dental implant nursing
• Orthodontic dental nursing
• Dental sedation nursing
• Fluoride varnish application
• Special care dental nursing
• Impression taking

 

The legacy of Janet Goodwin, dental nurse, and oral health champion

Janet Goodwin, former President of the Oral Health Foundation, pioneering dental nurse and long time BADN member, tragically passed away from breast cancer in 2020.  Janet is sorely missed by all who knew her - not just as a highly respected colleague but also a much-loved friend.  In almost 50 years in the dental profession, we would like to take a few moments to celebrate Janet’s achievements in dentistry and introduce those of you who may not have had the pleasure of knowing or working with Janet over her career.

Janet began working in dentistry as a dental nurse in 1971, and worked in general practice, community, dental hospitals and further education.  An influential figure within oral health, Janet held roles at Leeds Dental Hospital, The National Examining Board for Dental Nurses and the General Dental Council. 

As well as her work with the Oral Health Foundation, Janet was a member of several oral health bodies. She carried out management and educational projects on an independent basis with various organisations including the Faculty of General Dental Practice, where she was Chair of the DCP committee, City & Guilds as Chief Examiner, and Dental Team Qualification in the development and delivery of DCP programmes.

“Janet was a very active member of BADN”  said Pam Swain, BADN Chief Exec, who was also a close friend of Janet’s, “and was very proud of the fact that she had a four digit membership number… which means that she had been a member since the late 70s.  She always attended Conference and the BADN AGM and actively promoted membership to her colleagues and students.  As only the second dental nurse to chair the NEBDN, education and training were always close to Janet’s heart.  Janet also helped organise the “All I Want for Christmas” dental days in Blackpool which offered free dental treatment to those in recovery and the homeless.”

In 2015, Janet became the very first dental nurse to be elected President of the Oral Health Foundation in the charity’s 52-year history, becoming a real voice for dental nurses all over the country. From the minute she became President she was already breaking barriers.  Janet brought a unique and vibrant personality which was what also allowed her to bring talented fresh faces to the Board of Trustees. 

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation believes that Janet was true ambassador for oral health, and she leaves behind a lasting legacy for the dental health of the nation and was a stalwart supporter of all dental nurses.  Dr Carter says: “Janet is sorely missed by many, including myself.  She was not only a highly respected colleague but also a much-loved friend.”

Dr Ben Atkins, Trustee of the Oral Health Foundation, adds: “Janet was such a wonderful person to be around and was always there to support me.  She always spoke with positivity and kind words, and a balance of frank talking which I truly respected.”

Karen Coates RDN, Cert OHE and oral health content specialist at the Oral Health Foundation says: “These educational grants are being made available by kind donations from Janet Goodwin’s many friends and colleagues, and we know that this is something that Janet would be so proud of.  Encouraging dental nurses to seek education and relevant dental qualifications to enhance their dental careers, was always very high on Janet’s agenda, so these educational bursaries in her name, seemed to be the most appropriate use of these funds.”

Everybody at the Oral Health Foundation and British Association of Dental Nurses are very proud to continue Janet’s legacy by offering educational grants to dental nurses to help them achieve their dreams and furthering their careers.