Maxillofacial prosthetist
A day as a maxillofacial prosthetist
You're based at your local NHS hospital, and begin work at 9am. Your first task is to meet a recovering patient who had to have their nose removed because of nasal cancer. It is our job to restore the patient's nose and face shape . You explain exactly what you need to do to construct an artificial nose, how long it will take and what needs to be done. You take an impression of the face and rebook the patient for a second appointment on your clinic later in the week. In the afternoon, you are called by the doctor in Accident and Emergency to construct some special splints to be used in theatre that evening for a patient who was in a car accident. You meet the patient and doctor and then construct the splints in your prosthetics laboratory. It's very rewarding working with surgical colleagues to restore people's appearance and body function, and you're always developing new skills and abilities.
Does this sound like you?
You have calm, reassuring manner, you can communicate easily and like helping others. You're always willing to learn about new technology and have a creative nature. You are dextrous and can stay calm under pressure.
What's next after GCSE?
You'll need a minimum of five A-C GCSE grades (or the equivalent), preferably including a science subject, and be all set to take three A levels (or the equivalent) at college.
What's next after A level and beyond?
You'll need to apply for a degree in Dental Technology before taking extra training to specialise in maxillofacial prosthetics and gain a Diploma or MSc in Maxillofacial Technology. Getting three good A level grades (or the equivalent) is advisable. It's important to check different university entry requirements as these vary between institutions.
you interested in this career?
