First student through unique scheme turns dream career into reality

Date: 18/08/2012. Story submitted by: SuzanneRutter

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The first ever graduate of a unique access to dentistry scheme at the University of Sheffield has landed his dream job.

Lee Del Rosso, 21, from Sheffield, began the Access to Dental Occupations – Practice and Tutoring Scheme (ADOPT) as an A-Level student in 2007. He was one of the first students to join the initiative which aims to encourage youngsters from backgrounds which are under-represented in higher education.

The two-year programme, designed especially for teenagers interested in a career in dentistry, is hosted by the University's Outreach and Access Team.

During their time on ADOPT the students participate in a range of aspiration raising activities designed to help them achieve their goals. When they have completed the programme they are guaranteed an interview at the University's School of Clinical.

"Before ADOPT I was quite apprehensive about higher education and as none of my family had been to university I didn’t really have anyone to help me justify my decision about studying further," Lee said.

"From the very first ADOPT event I attended at the dental school, the warmth, integrity and passion expressed by the team took me out of my 17 year old frame of mind and placed me amongst academics.

"The skills and experience I gained through ADOPT was absolutely invaluable. Not only were we encouraged to develop our social boundaries and team working skills, which are crucial to a career in the healthcare sector, but we were also given the opportunity get hands on with the tools of the trade.”

Lee graduated this summer after completing a Dental Hygiene and Therapy course. He will begin his dream job as a Dental Therapist in September at a practice in Hemsworth, Pontefract.

David Broomby, Outreach Activities Officer, said: "I am really pleased for Lee, not only because he is our first ADOPT graduate in the Hygiene and Therapy course but also because of the support he has shown to the scheme whilst he was studying at the university.”

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Tags: The University of Sheffield