A year of growth, connection and purpose

With a new year on the horizon, Siobhan Kelleher looks back on 2024, and shares what the journey has taught her

Reflecting on my journey through 2024, I am filled with gratitude. This year has been a tapestry woven with professional achievements, personal connections and a commitment to elevating the field of dental education.

The Magic of Education Conference took place in March, and we invited Jamie Skelton, a magician and mentalist, to entertain us. Jamie’s ability to blend magic with education created an enchanting atmosphere that captivated everyone. 

I partnered with the Irish Dental Hygiene Association (IDHA) to provide accredited qualifications in the principles and practice of mentoring and coaching for mentors. This collaboration was particularly meaningful to me, as I have always believed that mentorship is a cornerstone of professional development. 

By equipping mentors with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can enhance the support available to dental practitioners. 

A passion project

June was an emotional month for me as we concluded the Diploma in Oral and Positive Health Level 7. The final evening of the course was a poignant moment; I looked around the screen filled with individuals who had embarked on this journey with me. They had entrusted their learning to me, and together, we had navigated a path filled with challenges and triumphs. 

Watching them celebrate their achievements, I felt a deep sense of fulfilment. Bringing accredited courses to the dental profession has been a significant goal of mine, and this course, which focused on positive health, was a true passion project.

The graduation ceremony took place at the beautiful Dean  Hotel in Cork, where learners from both Ireland and the UK gathered to celebrate their achievements. Witnessing the culmination of their hard work was a profoundly moving experience. 

The event was graced by esteemed lecturers and content creators, including Fiona Ellwood and Eilish Duffy, who played integral roles in shaping the courses. 

I was genuinely taken aback when several colleagues showed up to support me, a testament to the strong community we’ve built.

A particularly memorable moment was when Alan Keegan, the voice of Old Trafford, flew in from Amsterdam to host the graduation ceremony. I had kept it to myself, and it was a pleasure to reveal that he’s my uncle. His presence added a special touch to the day, making it even more memorable for the graduates and attendees.

During the ceremony, we recognised outstanding achievements among the learners. Lisa Pearson and Aishling Hynes were awarded the highest marks in the diploma. Similarly, Linda Phelan and Anneka Guray were commended for attaining the highest marks in the Certificate in Mentoring and Coaching. These recognitions highlighted the exceptional talent and commitment present in our community.

The Trish McElroy Award was presented to Wenda White. This award holds deep significance for me, as Trish was my sister who sadly passed away two years ago. Honouring her legacy through this award was an emotional moment.

Throughout the year I received numerous enquiries from dental nurses interested in pursuing the diploma. However, due to the clinical elements and case study requirements, it wasn’t feasible for them. 

In response, I took proactive steps to create the Certificate in Lifestyle Medicine Coaching Level 5. This new offering aimed to fill the gap for dental professionals seeking to enhance their skills without the clinical commitment. 

In addition to my partnership with the IDHA, I collaborated with the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) to provide accredited qualifications for their mentors and coaches. 

Streamlined support

As September rolled in, my calendar became packed with the launch of three courses simultaneously. Recognising the need for support, I welcomed Haley as the education coordinator manager. 

Having previously worked with Haley in practice, I knew we would collaborate effectively, and together we set out to manage the increased workload. Our synergy has allowed us to streamline processes and enhance the educational experience for our participants.

In addition to our current offerings, we are also developing a new dental practice management course that will begin in the new year. This initiative aims to equip dental professionals with the essential skills needed to run successful practices while maintaining a focus on patient care.

I continue to lecture at several universities for Tepe, sharing my knowledge and passion for dental education with the next generation of practitioners. Engaging with students has been invigorating, and I am always impressed by their eagerness to learn and make a difference in the field.

I was also honoured to serve as a judge for the Clinical Dentistry Awards this year. The high level of work presented by candidates was genuinely inspiring, showcasing the commitment to excellence within the dental community. Evaluating their submissions reaffirmed my belief in recognising and celebrating outstanding dental care and education contributions.

Spreading awareness

Another highlight of this year has been the Ikigai Oral Hygiene Programme, which continues to gain momentum with new educators coming on board. We successfully ran several courses and webinars, helping to spread awareness and knowledge about oral hygiene practices. 

We conducted workshops at the Scottish Dental Show and presented on the intersection of oral health and lifestyle medicine. This topic resonated with many attendees, highlighting the growing recognition of the link between oral health and overall health. We also organised workshops at the IDHA in Galway and the Oral Health Conference in Harrogate. 

A particularly exciting opportunity arose when I was invited to speak and conduct a training session at a Dental Care Ireland event. Reconnecting with Maher Kemmoona after several years was a highlight, and I am pleased to announce that he will now be lecturing on some of our courses. His expertise and enthusiasm will undoubtedly enrich our courses.

Throughout the year, I have also had the privilege of writing several articles for Irish Dentistry. I was delighted to present at the recent Irish Dentistry Show in Dublin, which was well attended. 

I am excited about my next project: fundraising for Bridge2aid. 

In March, I will join seven colleagues to volunteer, aiming to educate 1,200 educators and create a ripple effect that could reach six million people. This initiative is a testament to the power of education and the impact we can make when we come together to serve communities in need.

I am organising a Pechakucha event, which has been a fun and creative undertaking. For those unfamiliar, a Pechakucha is a presentation format where speakers have 20 slides, and each slide is shown for only 20 seconds. This format encourages concise and engaging storytelling. Our final event is set for 19 December, featuring a panel of esteemed judges, including Chris Barrow, Elaine Tilling, Mike Bentley, Jenny Walker, Dhru Shah, and Alex Breitenbach. I am hopeful that this event will spark inspiration and connection among participants.

Making a positive impact

In summary, 2024 has been a transformative year filled with growth, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to improving dental education and health. The graduation ceremony was particularly poignant, encapsulating what we’ve achieved together. Looking back, I am proud of my accomplishments and excited about future possibilities. 

Here’s to continuing this journey of learning, connection and making a positive impact in dentistry!