Laura King

Laura King, from Belfast, graduates in 2011 with a BSc in Oral Health Sciences.

Why did you choose to study at Dundee University?

The course I chose to study is better known as Dental Hygiene and Therapy: and there were a handful of universities that offered this course at degree level. After looking at all of them, I chose to come to Dundee to see what the city was like. I absolutely loved it. Coming from a small wee town on the emerald isle, it was small enough to feel like home, but big enough to keep me entertained....and out of mischief!

What are your immediate plans after graduation?

I am planning to return to Northern Ireland to work with my Dad in July.

What are your longer term career plans (if any)?

Not sure what the future holds, have always wanted to take a gap year but I feel with the hands on style of work I am doing, that it might not be the best idea. Travelling and working is definitely an option, would love to go to America, New Zealand or Australia. I would love to work with some dental charities that take people out to the areas that most need dental care. I think something like that would be very rewarding and remind you why you're doing what you're doing. I could see myself back in Scotland at some point, so who knows!

What information do you think applicants need to know before starting this course?

I think that the fact that the course takes an intake of 10 students per year is important. I feel that this allowed a fantastic learning experience, as you weren't stuck in a big lecture theatre thinking "I can't ask a question or I'll look like an idiot." Along with being on a clinic with patients, it's great to be able to approach tutors and ask questions on the spot, and get the advice you need.

It's a very hands on course, which is important as some people learn better hands on as opposed to lectures. It also gave you the chance to practice while you were learning which really got the knowledge stuck in your head! I also got to know my coursemates really well, and will be graduating with my 3 best friends from university.

What was the most enjoyable thing about your degree and why?

I would have to say hands down, my final year. Everything just seemed to click and made sense. In final year you start outreach clinics where you go to different dental access centres to treat patients. You get a real feel of what working life is going to be like, along with the start of treating kids, which I never thought I would enjoy; turned out to be very rewarding.

What was your best university experience and why?

I would have to say halls once I settled in. I took a long time to settle in after leaving home, which for some people is to be expected. (Flippin Irish; never happy!) I was quite shy, but halls brought me out of my shell. I met so many new people, and that has been a big part of university as well. The people I've met have really made my time here at Dundee.

What sports activities or clubs/societies (if any) were you involved with?

I have had a job since second year, which has been great. I joined the Christian Union in 1st year. I tried my hand at archery, but it was to appear that I was never going to be helping Robin Hood anytime soon. I also tried tennis, which was great fun, but never joined the club.

Recently I got into going to the uni gym which was brilliant. Great facilities and classes.

Did you taken part in any student exchanges/work placements?

The course I studied took form as a continual work placement, as you start seeing patients in your first year at the dental hospital. This continues throughout your study, with the addition of different clinics and going to outreach clinics which I mentioned above.

Do you have any advice for potential new students?

I think the biggest piece of advice is enjoy yourself! The prospect of coming to university is quite a daunting prospect but once you get settled in you'll have a ball. Looking back on my time at university, I wouldn't change a single thing, not the course, the place or the university. Dundee has been brilliant, and I'm 100% sure I'll be back across the water to visit, and re-live some great times.