Hartlepool dental trainee rises through ranks to become manager of three practices

Leanne Burns arrived at Hartlepool Dental and Implant Centre in 2001 at the age of 18 and became lead nurse 11 years ago before earning promotion to deputy manager and now practice manager in the last year.

Clinical director Dr Caroline Jackson says: “This is Leanne’s second promotion in the space of year, but I know that she is the right person for the job.

“When I came to Hartlepool Dental and Implant Centre as clinical director in January 2019, I could see straight away that Leanne, who was our lead nurse at the time, was more than capable of progressing her career further.

“She is extremely organised, motivated and diligent. Any job I’ve asked Leanne to do she has done to the nth degree.”

Dr Jackson added: “Managing three practices is a huge task but I have every confidence that under her leadership our practices will go from strength to strength.”

Two other Hartlepool members of staff at the centre, which has bases in Victoria Road, the Headland and Owton Manor, are also celebrating promotions.

Lead receptionist Nicola Hewitson, praised by Dr Jackson for her “calming influence” and “keeping everyone’s diaries in order”, has become deputy manager this week while patient co-ordinator Marie Taylor, who is described as

a “perfectionist” and “the only person I know who enjoys doing audits”, will be lead nurse across the three branches.

Dr Jackson said: “I really believe strongly in supporting my team in reaching their goals and aspirations, providing them with opportunities to further their careers.

“The fact that they all live minutes away from each other has helped us build a great team bond in Hartlepool.

“Last year I was able to give our nurses a pay rise and I hope that by giving Leanne, Nicola and Marie the opportunity to step up within the business, everyone will see that I have complete faith in my whole team.

“I’m looking forward to growing our practices further and welcoming more people to our team in the future.”