Harlene Kaur's experience of Oral Surgery

Harlene decided to undertake postgraduate study as she wanted to work within secondary care and specialise in oral surgery. To do this, she needed to gain a qualification which would allow her to develop the skills required to do the job, as well as build a portfolio of evidence of her oral surgery patients which she could use in the future.

Harlene chose to study a Master in Oral Surgery at UCLan due to the flexible nature of the course which is delivered by distance learning on a part-time basis. This enabled her to study around her work commitments and busy lifestyle.

After graduation, Harlene worked in secondary care, undertaking oral surgery within the primary care dental service as well as becoming a speciality doctor within oral and maxillofacial surgery. Her duties include teaching minor oral surgery to undergraduate students as well as research, consultant clinics and receiving one-to-one training in oral surgical procedures.

Six months after graduation Harlene was accepted on to an Academic Clinical Fellowship post in oral surgery which will enable her to become a specialist in oral surgery in the future, as well as allowing her to pursue her passion for academia.

When asked if she had any advice for potential students, Harlene said: “If you are serious and determined to follow a career in Oral Surgery then pursue it! I would recommend the MSc course to anyone working within Oral Surgery. The UCLan MSc will provide you with a structured breadth of core knowledge of Oral Surgery and will equip you with the skills to critique relevant literature, allowing you to provide evidence-based treatment."

When asked about her lasting memories of University, Harlene describes how UCLan is a “supportive and friendly learning environment, with modern facilities.” She also speaks highly of the skills and knowledge she gained from the course as it increased her confidence to write her first publication, ‘An Alternative to Bisphosphonates but also Associated with Osteonecrosis of the Jaw--What is the Risk?’