Raising awareness this November
This November, as part of Diabetes Awareness Month, we’re shining a spotlight on a condition that has important implications for both general health and oral health. At Moody Terrace we are particularly proud that two of our wonderful dental nurses, Molly and Jen, live with type 1 diabetes – and by sharing their stories we hope to raise awareness, reduce stigma and support anyone managing diabetes who may also be considering a career in dentistry.
Why this matters in dentistry
As a dental practice we want to emphasise: diabetes affects more than just blood sugar. There are important links between diabetes and oral health, such as:
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People with diabetes (especially if control is less optimal) may have increased risk of gum disease, delayed healing, dry mouth, and other oral-health complications.
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For dental professionals and team members living with diabetes, clear communication and workplace awareness are vital – e.g., recognising signs of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), allowing flexibility for snacks or monitoring, ensuring they are supported during treatment sessions.
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By sharing Molly’s lived experience we hope to encourage more open dialogue, reduce stigma and highlight that diabetes does not prevent people from pursuing careers (including in dentistry) or being part of a high-quality dental team.
For more official information on Diabetes, please visit the official Diabetes UK website here.
Molly’s story: working in dentistry with type 1 diabetes
In our video, dental nurse Molly shares her day-to-day experience:
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She uses a libra scanner which links to her phone so she can monitor her levels and stay “in the green”.
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She communicates with her surgery team so that all colleagues know the signs if she needs a snack or a short break.
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Her advice for anyone with type 1 diabetes who is looking at a career in dentistry: “Make sure your team know what your needs are, communicate with your team and take each day as it comes.”
This openness and planning allow her to work confidently and safely in the dental environment – and we are proud to support her.
All information has been collected from https://www.diabetes.org.uk/