In Conversation – Julie Grace, Dental Nurse

Julie Grace, Community’s Dental Nursing Northern Branch chair, is Doncaster through and through.

In 2022, when Doncaster was officially granted city status, Julie’s passion for her hometown shone brightly. Now, as both a Dental Nurse and Civic Mayor of Doncaster—roles she has juggled since early 2024—Julie has become a symbol of dedication and determination. Whether representing the city in her tricorn hat at high-profile events like Doncaster hosting UK Pride, or donning scrubs in her dental practice, Julie wears her responsibilities with pride.

A Journey Through Time: Dental Nursing in the 1980s

Julie’s career began during the 1980s, a time when unemployment was high, and dental nursing looked vastly different from the profession it is today. As Julie recounted, becoming a Dental Nurse then was less about qualifications and more about learning on the job. In her case, it all started with a routine dental check-up that ended with her being handed a pair of scrubs and a new role at the local practice.

Training was entirely practical – trainees shadowed seasoned Dental Nurses, observing and learning as they worked with patients. Progress was marked informally: once a trainee was trusted to assist a dentist solo, they were considered qualified. This hands-on, apprenticeship-style learning is a far cry from today’s system of formal applications, CVs, and training programs.

A Life of Service and Dedication

Julie’s influence extends beyond her work as a Dental Nurse. Her time in cabaret—a world of costumes and performances—reflects her vibrant personality and ability to engage with people from all walks of life. As a councillor for Doncaster’s Roman Ridge ward, she has championed causes like homelessness and elderly care, earning her the Yorkshire Covid Community Hero award in 2021.

Through all her roles—Nurse, Mayor, activist, and councillor—Julie Grace exemplifies a life dedicated to service. Her story is a reminder that change starts with passionate individuals willing to take action, whether in scrubs, a tricorn hat, or a sequined costume.

From Activism to Union Leadership

Fast forward to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, which marked a turning point for Julie and many of her colleagues. Dental Nurses were left exposed, facing inadequate PPE, low pay, and plummeting morale. Julie emerged as a prominent voice during a PPE rally in 2020, drawing attention to the elevated risks Dental Nurses faced on the frontlines.

A couple of years later, Julie and a group of fellow activists connected online, driven by their shared frustration with the state of UK dentistry. They wanted change and soon found their answer in Community Union.

The Union That Matches Julie’s Vision

In 2023, Julie and her fellow activists joined Community Union, drawn by its modern, progressive ethos and practical support for workers. Community’s resources, representatives, and vast network offered Dental Nurses a platform to influence UK dentistry policy—not just from the sidelines, but at the decision-making table.

Julie is passionate about addressing the high turnover in the profession, the absence of NHS pensions for Dental Nurses, and the limited support for trainees. These issues are why Dental Nurses have joined Community in growing numbers, making it the lead trade union for the profession.

Author: Chris Segal, Organising Officer, Community Union

Join the union for dental nurses today

At Community, we fight to protect our members working across dental practices in the UK and support them with issues around dealing with workplace bullying, pay and wages, contracts, holidays, sickness and leave and more. As a member of Community, you can go to work and feel safe knowing that we are here to fight your corner when you need us.

Join today

If you are a member of Community and need advice or support, please contact our Service Centre at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.



       
           

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