As a Head Dental Nurse tutor with 5+ years' experience, I condense 700 pages of boring text into 60 pages of must-know info that actually makes studying enjoyable with my engaging notes

Find out more about Ayan

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  My passion for dentistry began when I first started studying science at school. I was always fascinated by how science applies to real-life healthcare, and this naturally led me to pursue dentistry. However, I quickly realised that before starting university, I needed hands-on experience in a dental clinic to truly understand the field. Becoming a dental nurse was the perfect first step. With my strong science background, I found learning about the science behind dentistry, especially dental nursing, incredibly interesting. Once I qualified, I started helping trainee dental nurses by sharing my notes, flashcards, and teaching sessions to support them in passing their exams. This is when I discovered my passion for tutoring. I love combining my knowledge of science and dentistry to simplify complex topics, making them easier to understand than they appear in textbooks. Having been through the same journey as my students, I know exactly how to explain topics in a clear and straightforward way. My goal is to help them pass the NEBDN exam with confidence and, most importantly, develop a real passion for their future career as qualified dental nurses.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach dental nursing with a strong focus on building a solid foundation in science before diving into clinical topics. I've found that the structure of most textbooks can be quite confusing and overly complicated, as they often introduce regulations and legal acts first, which can feel overwhelming for beginners. Instead, I take a different approach that makes learning more logical and engaging. I start by teaching general anatomy to give students a real understanding of how the human body functions. This not only sparks their interest in the subject but also makes it easier to connect later topics. Once they grasp the organ systems, I introduce oral anatomy and physiology, followed by oral medicine. Finally, I cover clinical dentistry topics like restorative treatments and prosthodontics. By structuring my lessons this way, I help students build their knowledge step by step, like assembling a Lego structure-each topic fits perfectly into place, creating a complete picture without overwhelming them. This method makes learning much easier and more enjoyable, helping students develop confidence and a real passion for dental nursing.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  Yes, one of the teachers who inspired me the most was my bubbly and energetic Biology teacher. Her enthusiasm and positive energy made every lesson engaging, and this had a huge impact on our interest and focus in class. One thing that stood out was how well-structured her lesson slides were-she used clear fonts and visuals that made learning easier. This approach has influenced the way I create my own teaching materials, and my students often compliment me on how easy my slides are to read and follow. This is especially helpful for students with learning difficulties such as dyslexia or ADHD. Just as my teacher brought energy and positivity to her lessons, I strive to do the same in my dental nursing classes. My goal is to make learning enjoyable and accessible, helping students stay engaged and confident in their studies.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A good tutor understands that every student is unique, just like fingerprints. Each student has different strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles, and it's the tutor's job to recognise and adapt to them. The key is flexibility-adjusting the teaching approach to suit each student's needs, whether they learn best through visuals, hands-on practice, or detailed explanations. By doing this, a tutor can ensure that every student feels supported, gains confidence, and achieves the best possible results in their exams.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  During one of my tutoring sessions, a student was on the verge of giving up, convinced she would never remember the cranial nerves. She said, "They're just a bunch of random names-I'll never get this!" Instead of drilling the textbook definitions, I turned it into a story. We imagined the nerves as a team of workers in a dental practice-one controlling the jaw like a receptionist answering calls, another handling facial expressions like a friendly nurse, and so on. By the end of the lesson, she was not only recalling each nerve but explaining them back to me with excitement. A week later, she messaged me: "I remembered every single nerve in the exam-your story saved me!" Moments like these remind me why I love tutoring-transforming stress into success with the right approach.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  One of the biggest challenges in dental nursing education is the lack of available practice question materials for students. Many trainees struggle because they don't have enough exam-style questions to test their knowledge and get used to the real exam format. To solve this, I created my own 500+ practice question book, which I use during revision sessions with my students. This helps them build confidence, identify weak areas, and feel fully prepared for their exams. My goal is to make sure they pass with no doubt and, most importantly, feel ready for their future careers as dental nurses.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  My biggest passion is dentistry. I truly believe in the beauty of this career and strive to instil that same passion in my trainee dental nurses. I want them to not only succeed but enjoy the process of learning and feel proud once they're qualified. Coming from a family of teachers, sharing knowledge has always been a natural part of my life. Growing up, I saw how my parents taught and supported others, and that inspired me to do the same. Even as a future dentist, I plan to continue teaching-whether it's to dental nurses, hygienist students, or dentistry students-within the scope of my knowledge. For me, teaching is a way to give back to the profession I love.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  Receiving constant great reviews and recommendations from my students is what truly makes me a SuperProf. These positive feedbacks reinforce my confidence in my teaching style and approach, and they motivate me to keep improving and giving my best. Knowing that my students are not only passing but enjoying the process and feeling supported strengthens my belief in the value of personalised, engaging teaching.