Rachel Sophia Jackson BSc DHT (Distinction), BSc Med Ill
Senior Dental Student, Institute of Dentistry Aberdeen; Dental Hygiene Therapy Graduate and Lecturer, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, and National Health Service Education for ScotlandRachel graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University (UK) in 2004 with a degree in Medical Illustration. Continuously seeking to develop her artistic skills, coupled with her love of science and anatomy, Rachel decided to pursue a career in clinical dentistry, applying for a degree course in Clinical Dental Therapy at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). Qualifying in 2013 with Distinction, Rachel then worked as a dental hygiene therapist within a specialist’s practice and national health service setting, treating vulnerable groups requiring multidisciplinary care.
Rachel then perused an academic route, becoming a lecturer on the very course she qualified on. During this time Rachel used her skills and experience as a Dental Therapist and Medical Illustrator to successfully develop teaching material within the School. Rachel then designed and delivered accredited postgraduate training courses in clinical photography for qualified dental professionals.
During this period, Rachel’s passion for restorative dentistry was ignited. Deciding to become a Dental Surgeon, she was accepted into the Aberdeen Institute of Dentistry in 2017 where she began her BDS training. Now in her final year she has continued to successfully marry her passion for science, art and education within her new role. Rachel has become an active member of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, was featured within the British Dental Journal and took on duties as student representative for academic assessment. Rachel is currently focusing on research, that looks to ‘bridge the gap’ when transitioning an undergraduate dental student from the pre-patient experience to the active clinical environment using Arts and Humanities.
Rachel continues to work in practice supporting a team of implantologists’, periodontal and restorative specialists. In her spare time, she also exhibits and sells her artwork worldwide and is currently commissioned for the British Dental Journal cover series.