A DENTAL nurse who left school at 16 has been offered a place at university to study dentistry after successfully completing an access to higher education course at a North-East college.

Laura Maddison, 23, from Sunderland, has been working as a dental nurse since she left school at 16 and last year decided she wanted to make the progression to becoming a dentist herself.

Laura, who works at The Dental Hospital in Newcastle, decided last year that she wanted more of a challenge and signed up for the Access to Higher Education course at East Durham College in Peterlee, starting in September last year.

Her hard work and determination on the course has led to her being offered a place on a degree course at Newcastle University to study dentistry.

The Access to Higher Education course is specifically aimed at mature students, aged 19 and over, who are seeking to get back into education, usually with an aim to go to university.

Laura praised the course, which she has been attending three nights a week, for helping lead her to this next massive step in her career.

Laura said: “Working as a dental nurse since leaving school I felt that becoming a dentist was a natural progression for me.

“I wanted a job with more of a challenge and offering something more rewarding, and with already working in this field I knew dentistry would offer me that.

“The access course has been fantastic. It’s helped me progress over the last few months and has helped me get this brilliant opportunity to go onto the course I want at Newcastle University in September.

“I can’t thank the staff enough for how much they have helped - from the lessons themselves to the help with university applications.

“I am now determined to finish this year with the best results I can and go onto my university degree in September.”

For information on the Access to Higher Education courses at East Durham College you can visit eastdurham.ac.uk or call the student services team on 0191 518 8222.