Case Study: Ella Cook

We're thrilled to have connected with newly qualified Prosthetic Dental Technician, Ella Cook, who kindly took the time to share her journey with us. In this case study, Ella reflects on her path to becoming a Dental Technician and offers valuable insights into her experiences along the way. 

What is your name?

Ella Cook

What degree/postgraduate course did you study and where? And what year did you graduate in?

2025.

What appealed to you about the course?

I loved how dental technology combines science and anatomy with art and creativity. It's such a hands-on profession, and the course at Cardiff Met reflected that perfectly, with a lot more focus on practical work rather than exams. The course team were also so supportive you really get to know them on a personal level, and because the course isn't too big, you get to know everyone else on it too. It felt like a really friendly and encouraging environment to learn in.

What is your current job title?

Prosthetic Dental Technician.

How did you get your job?

Dental technology is a very vocational career — the course trains you in the basic knowledge and skills you need to walk straight into a job. With the current recruitment crisis in dental technology, technicians are really sought after, and there are endless opportunities if you're willing to step out of your comfort zone and make them happen for yourself. Alongside my studies, I gained experience working in commercial dental labs and networked with other dental technicians through social media such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Towards the end of my degree, I applied through the NHS Jobs website and was really lucky to secure a position. I actually became aware of the job through my current manager, who had posted the vacancy on LinkedIn after we'd previously connected. The practical skills I learnt at university, along with my work experience, really helped me through the bench test and interview, and I was able to start the job as soon as I graduated.

What's a typical working day like?

Every day is different, with new requirements and challenges depending on the cases coming up from clinic. After all, our job is to make custom devices for every unique mouth, so no two days are ever quite the same!

As I'm still newly qualified, I'm learning a lot every day, and I feel so lucky to be surrounded by such friendly and supportive colleagues who are always willing to share their years of knowledge, experience, and skill.

In a typical day, I'll cast impressions sent up from clinic and work on the cases assigned to me. Working in a prosthetics lab means most of my work involves removable denture cases - articulating models, setting up teeth for try-ins, or fabricating finished dentures. I also get to make a variety of other appliances, such as vacuum-formed devices, which keeps things interesting and helps me broaden my skills.

Being in a hospital setting, I sometimes make healing and dressing plates when needed, and as I continue to develop and grow in my role, I'll have the chance to work on a broader variety of cases such as obturators and implant-retained prostheses. Everything I produce follows a prescription from a clinician, so attention to detail and communication are really important.

What's exciting is knowing that as I progress through my career, I'll get to work with a wider range of materials and workflows, including digital design and CAD systems. Dental technology is constantly evolving, and I can't wait to see how these new techniques shape the future of the profession.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love how hands-on dental technology is - there's never a dull moment! It's not a boring office job; it's practical and creative. It's a bit like adult arts and crafts, but you're creating appliances that can help someone smile, eat, and speak again. I enjoy working with different materials to make aesthetic and functional appliances, and seeing something you've built come together is so satisfying.

I also really value the opportunities I sometimes get to go to the clinic and see my work fitted. Working in the lab, it's easy to feel a bit detached from the patient side, so being able to see your work in the mouth and the difference it makes is amazing - especially for cases you've followed all the way from the first impression to the finished denture.

What are the challenges?

Every case is different, and like with anything, some days are harder than others. You have to adapt to different oral anatomy, clinician requests, and patient needs, which can be challenging but also really rewarding. Some days things just don't seem to go right - maybe a clasp won't bend the way you want it to, or you can't quite get the teeth set exactly how you'd like. But it makes the days when everything just seems to fall into place feel even better!

In what way is your degree relevant?

My degree gave me the technical foundation and understanding of dental materials that I use every day in the lab. It also taught me the importance of professionalism and working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Most importantly, completing the degree was essential for becoming registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) as a Dental Technician, which allows me to practise as a Dental Technician in the UK.

How has your role developed and what are your career ambitions?

As a new technician, I'm currently building experience across all aspects of prosthetic work, starting from the basics and putting the skills I learned at university into practice. I still have a lot to learn, and really, the learning never stops - with new technologies and materials always being developed. Over time, I hope to specialise in more complex cases such as obturators and implant prosthetics. With the rise of digital workflows, I'd also love to be involved in surgical planning and the production of surgical guides. Long-term, I'd like to be involved in teaching, outreach, and research to help raise awareness of dental technology as a profession and inspire others to join the field.

What advice can you give to others wanting to get into this job? (Try to give three tips)

1. Get hands-on experience early. The more time you spend in a lab, the better you'll get. It's a practical job, so the best way to learn is by doing!

2. Stay curious and open to learning. Dental technology is always evolving, especially with the rise of digital workflows, so there's constantly something new to explore.

3. Connect with the wider profession. Join organisations like the DTA, attend events such as the Dental Technology Showcase, and engage with others online. There are so many amazing and inspiring dental technicians who share their work and knowledge — it's a great way to learn, stay motivated, and feel part of a really supportive community.