'The supportive teachers and strong academic environment inspired me'

'The supportive teachers and strong academic environment inspired me'

Former RGS boarding student Sarah Riley left school in 2008 after taking A-levels in maths, biology, chemistry, general studies and critical thinking and now works as a dentist specialising in orthodontics, oral surgery and dental implants

Q: What was the most important lesson you learnt at RGS?

A: RGS really instilled in me the importance of hard work and time management. I was a weekly boarder in Johnson House and this helped my organisational skills and self-motivation. I think RGS also really provides you with that confidence that if there’s something you want to do, if you try hard enough there’s no reason you can’t do it.

Q: What do you wish you’d known back then?

A: That career paths are not always linear, and it’s okay to explore different interests along the way. Every job role I’ve done, or every course I’ve studied, has shaped my interests and career direction.

Q: Can you outline your career path?
A: After studying dentistry at Newcastle University, I qualified as a dentist in 2013. Following completion of my foundation training year, I went on to work as a senior house officer in maxillofacial surgery at James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough. This role provided me with a huge amount of surgical experience as I was involved in the management of emergency head and neck cases in A&E, contributed to the care of patients with head and neck cancers, and carried out oral surgery procedures including the removal of impacted wisdom teeth.

Following this, I completed postgraduate qualifications in both orthodontics and dental implants and have since transitioned into private dental practice, where I have special interests in orthodontics, oral surgery and dental implants.

Q: What inspired you to become a dentist?
A: I was initially drawn to dentistry as a career option as it combines science, practical skills, and patient interaction. My surgical role at James Cook Hospital was particularly inspiring – I loved the surgical aspects and the precision needed for very intricate operations in the mouth, however 12-hour night shifts weren’t necessarily something I’d have wanted long term! I have since moved to a private practice where I can develop and enjoy these areas of interest within dentistry while maintaining a slightly more family-friendly work-life balance!

Q: What does a typical day look like?
A: A typical day involves seeing a range of patients, from routine check-ups to more complex treatments such as orthodontic planning or surgical implant procedures. No two days are the same, which keeps the role engaging.

Q: What have been the highlights of your career so far?
A: Achieving my post graduate qualifications in both implants and orthodontics has been a particular highlight – both qualifications required significant amounts of studying outside work, exams and regular training days in Manchester and London. They have really opened career opportunities and allow me to practise the areas of dentistry I enjoy the most.

Q: What’s the best part of your job?

A: Helping patients feel more confident and comfortable with their smile – whether that’s through replacing missing teeth, straightening their teeth or simply helping to care and maintain the teeth they’ve got.

Q: And the worst part?

A: Managing complex cases and the pressures that can come with clinical responsibility. I often do have notes and consultation letters to do at home – but luckily, I’ve got a very supportive husband!

Q: What has been your biggest challenge?

A: Balancing ongoing professional development with a busy clinical schedule. Dentistry is constantly evolving and there are some many exciting courses and conferences to attend – it’s just fitting them in the diary!

Q: What extra-curricular activities were you involved in while at RGS and how valuable were they?

A: As a boarder, I was involved in a lot of after-school activities within the boarding house and had the benefit of using a lot of the school sport facilities. I really enjoyed netball and this is something I have continued to play since leaving school. It is a really good way of keeping balance and taking your mind off academics/work. It is also great to develop a strong bond with your teammates. I also did bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards – I think these really helped my university applications but I also loved the expeditions!

Q: What’s your advice for current students?

A: Work hard and gain as much work experience as possible – it not only provides valuable insight into the profession but also hugely strengthens your university application.

Q: Who was your favourite teacher?

A: There were so many fantastic teachers at RGS but Dr Grime, who taught me A-level chemistry really stands out – he was incredibly inspiring and explained concepts so well.

Q: Who or what inspired you at school?

A: Supportive teachers and a strong academic environment.

Q: What has been your greatest success?

A: Building a career in a field I enjoy and continuing to develop new skills.

Q: And your biggest disaster?

A: Like anyone in a clinical field, there have been challenging cases, but they are valuable learning experiences.

Q: What are your hopes for the future?

A: To continue developing my skills, particularly in orthodontics and implant dentistry.

Q: What do you miss most about Ripon?

A: The sense of community and familiarity.

'The supportive teachers and strong academic environment inspired me'
'The supportive teachers and strong academic environment inspired me'