Page 36 - RADC 2023

DEVELOPMENT
4.
5.
daily rituals. Research has shown that controlled breathing techniques can help calm the nervous system and reduce stress responses, promoting relaxation and mental clarity. Breathwork has grown in popularity, and for me, it is a fantastic method to regulate our nervous system and take back control.
Adequate and restful sleep is a non-negotiable element of stress management. Research consistently highlights the importance of sleep with regulating stress hormones and enhancing cognitive function. Establish a sleep routine and create a conducive sleep environment for optimal recovery.
Fostering social connections is a powerful stress buffer. Numerous
studies have shown that strong social support is linked to lower stress levels and improved mental health.
By implementing these research-backed strategies and incorporating them into your daily life, you can proactively manage stress and ultimately reduce the effects of chronic stress. This holistic approach encompasses being human; we need to move, eat,
sleep, breathe and think to have a fulfilling life ultimately. Sometimes, we forget the importance of being a human.
Summary
Stress is going to be part of day-to-day
life in general. The dental industry offers a unique challenge, even more so in a military environment. If we focus on the foundations of being human, we can use stress to our advantage.
The Leishman Prize for Soldiers
Col Tim Davies KHDS
As CDO(A) I recently, on 7 December 2023, had the immense pleasure of attending the RAMC Academic Awards where Private Naomi Crimmins was awarded this year’s Leishman Prize for RADC Soldiers. Being present to see one of our soldiers, who is still in training, being bestowed this award provides
me with even more confidence than I already have in the abilities of our junior personnel going forward.
The Leishman Memorial Fund was established in 1926 to perpetuate the memory of the late Director Army Medical Services, Lieutenant General Sir William Leishman KCB DCMG FRS. The Leishman prizes of a bronze medallion and a purse of £100 may be awarded annually to RAMC and RADC soldiers, award winners being selected by the Head of the Career Employment Group (Dental Nurses in the case of the RADC).
Private Crimmins’ citation reads:
She was one of the top students throughout her initial Dental Nurse Training at DMS Whittington. She studied hard for her assessment and passed all exams first time with top marks helping others with revision in and out of working hours. When she moved to Dental placements at Colchester, she was keen to consolidate her learning and completed her portfolio well ahead of her peers.
With several challenges thrown her
way she always prioritised the job
in hand being a highly competent
dental nurse and delivering a
high standard of patient care.
She is currently preparing for
the OSCE examination. She is
an asset to the RADC and any
dental centre that she works
in will gain an excellent Dental
Nurse.
The awards were presented by Brigadier (Retired) Robin Simpson, Colonel Commandant RAMC.
34 RADC BULLETIN 2023