Page 12 - RADC 2023

Welcoming new RADC soldiers
Pte Petula Lewis
& LCpl Niamh Gilmour
How did you hear about the RADC?
I am Petula Lewis, a national from the beautiful Caribbean Island of St Vincent
and the Grenadines. I am a Dental nurse
in training based at the Wattisham dental Centre. I first heard about the RADC from someone I consider a great mentor. I first enlisted as a Driver in the Royal Logistic Corp (RLC) but wanted a change, so I visited the Dental Centre at my unit. I started asking questions and got the contact information for the AMS recruiting in Camberley. I contacted them and was provided with the ins and outs and the processes of re trading.
I am LCpl Gilmore, knowing that I wanted
a career in the healthcare field, during my search I spotted several roles listed on
the Army Jobs website. I had not realised previously that the British Army even had a Dental Corps, but I instinctively knew that
it could be a rewarding career path which would also result in a brilliant transferable qualification. So, in August 2021, I applied to join the RADC as a Dental Nurse.
How did you find training?
Pte Lewis – I really enjoyed phase 2 training. It was remarkably interesting learning new things. The facility was exceptionally clean and felt homely. The curriculum was well organized and well executed. Everyone was aware of their responsibilities which allowed the program to run smoothly and effectively.
LCpl Gilmore – November 2021, I began Basic Training at ATR Winchester. It was
an incredibly tough 14 weeks, pushing me well outside of my comfort zone. Going on exercise in the snow is no joke! Despite all of this, I genuinely enjoyed my time in training, and developed strong friendships with people I still speak to now - even though we are miles apart from one another. The mental resilience acquired during those months
has undoubtedly helped me cope during my dental nurse training.
At the end of February 2022, I began
my Phase 2 training at DMS Whittington. This was an intense theory-based course, which was hugely challenging at times.
The incredible training staff instilled us
with the knowledge and confidence to get through it, before ensuring we were ready for our subsequent placements. I completed my placement at Catterick; it was hugely satisfying as the pieces finally fell into place once I started putting my knowledge into
Pte P Lewis
practice. Catterick is a busy centre, where
I have been exposed to a vast number of treatments - from re-root-canal treatments to oral surgery, and even involved in dental treatment for Ukrainian recruits. The support I received from the team at Catterick ensured I was ready for my Personal Experience Records and exams - I cannot thank them enough.
What do you wish to achieve in your career in the Corps?
Pte Lewis – After completing my training, I went on to placement. I was very intrigued.
I am grateful for the opportunity to fulfil
my long-term dream and pursue the
dental nursing pathway. I am extremely enthusiastic about my career and look forward to achieving remarkable things throughout. I aspire to become a Corps RSM (Representative Sergeant Major).
LCpl Gilmore – Looking to the future, I am keen to get on further courses to improve my knowledge and scope as a Dental Nurse, notably the Oral Health Educator & Radiography courses. Having been inspired
LCpl N Gilmour
by my own instructors, I would love to return to DMS Whittington one day as a Phase 2 Instructor - I think it would be an immensely rewarding experience, whilst I would love to give future trainees the same support that I have been lucky enough to have!
10 RADC BULLETIN 2023
RADC PEOPLE