Too often, education is seen as a box to tick: pass the exam, collect the certificate, move on. At Frays Dental Education (FDE), we see it differently. Training isn’t just about getting you through a course — it’s about opening doors, raising ambitions, and showing you just how far you can go.
Over the years, we’ve seen students arrive with all kinds of backgrounds, stories, and challenges. Some had been out of work for years. Others were stepping into healthcare for the very first time. A few arrived with one dream in mind, and left chasing something even bigger.
Their stories remind us of one thing: passing is just the start.
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From Stay-at-Home Mum to Qualified Dental Nurse
“Working at Frays dental was the best decision I’ve ever made.” – Stephanie
When Stephanie joined us in 2018, she hadn’t worked in almost six years. Her days had been devoted to raising her children, but the desire to build her own career never went away. With no medical or science background, becoming a dental nurse felt daunting. She needed a part-time role that would let her juggle home life, study, and work.
At Frays, she found a pathway forward. Surrounded by supportive mentors, working alongside dentists, hygienists, and specialists, Stephanie discovered that she could not only manage, but excel. She gained the NEBDN qualification, built her confidence, and stepped back into the professional world with new skills and fresh purpose.
Her words say it best: “I was someone with no medical or science background, but there I gained all the knowledge and skills I needed. It opened the door to a fantastic job when I moved home later. Working at Frays was the best decision I ever made.”
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From Student to Deputy Dental Nursing Manager
“The core knowledge and education I received at Frays have been instrumental in my success and achievements.” – PG
PG’s story shows what’s possible when a solid foundation is paired with ambition. She trained and qualified at Frays, where both the theory and practical sides of her education were delivered in what she describes as an “encouraging and organised environment.”
Her time with us went beyond the basics. She picked up specialist skills — from implant nursing to periodontal care — that would later set her apart. Over the years, those skills and that confidence propelled her forward. Today, she is a Deputy Dental Nursing Manager at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, helping to shape one of the UK’s leading teaching institutions.
Her journey began here, and she’s clear about what made the difference: the depth of knowledge, the standards of training, and the mentorship she received.
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From Dental Nurse to Dentistry Student
“Because I decided to study dentistry, this course has really helped support my application and the interview process. Coming to Frays to do it has been a really good decision.” – MJ
MJ’s path is proof that dental nursing can be a springboard into even bigger dreams. After training and qualifying with FDE, she was able to register with the GDC and work as a dental nurse during holidays, balancing income with experience. But for her, that was just the first step.
The qualification became a key part of her dentistry application. The skills, knowledge, and insights she gained gave her both credibility and confidence when it came to interviews. Now, MJ is on the path to becoming a dentist — a journey she believes began with the decision to start her training here.
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Why These Stories Matter
Three people. Three very different outcomes. And that’s the point.
At FDE, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all success. Some of our alumni move into leadership in the NHS. Others pursue further study — even PhDs or dentistry itself. Some build businesses of their own, carving out entirely new paths. And many find exactly what they were looking for: a stable, respected career that fits alongside their life.
Each story is unique. Each one begins the same way: with a decision to start.
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Passing Is Just the Start
At FDE, we’ll always help you succeed in your qualification. But we’ll also push you to see the bigger picture — to challenge assumptions, think differently, and not limit yourself to what seems possible today.
Because here, education isn’t the finish line. It’s the launchpad.
Frays Dental Education — where careers are built, confidence grows, and futures are imagined.