At the weekend families across the UK celebrated Mother’s Day.
And at one Warrington dental practice it was a particularly-pertinent event.
At the mydentist practice in Westbrook and Fearnhead, treatment co-ordinator, Megan Shaw, works alongside her mother, dental nurse, Anita.
This dynamic mother-daughter duo brings a special synergy to the practice, offering a blend of professional and personal support, alongside a lot of laughter!
Here, Megan shares what it is like to work alongside her mum.
A family affair
Commenting on where it all began, Megan shares: “It was actually my sister who inspired us both to get into dentistry.
“She encouraged my mum to get into dental nursing back in 2018 and, after seeing how much they both enjoyed it, I decided to apply for a receptionist role at mydentist Westbrook.
“I had mostly worked in retail before that and was definitely ready for a change.
“Since joining two years ago, I have now progressed from my receptionist role into my current position as a dual-site treatment co-ordinator and my mum was instrumental in helping me progress.
“She helped me understand different treatments, why they were needed, and even gave me her old nursing books so I could learn more.
“That knowledge has been invaluable when talking patients through treatment options confidently.”
She’s one of the hardest-working people I know and always goes above and beyond in everything she does. She’s been incredibly inspiring in that way
Professional collaboration and inspiration
When asked what it is like to work alongside her mum, Megan said: “Working together professionally has had its amusing moments.
“It was a little strange at first. The first time my mum came over to Westbrook to nurse while I was working on reception, she was about to walk into surgery when I needed to speak to her.
“It took me about ten seconds to decide whether I should call her ‘mum’ or ‘Anita’… I shouted ‘Anita’ and we both looked at each other trying not to laugh!
“From a young age, she’s also taught me the importance of having a strong work ethic.
“She’s one of the hardest-working people I know and always goes above and beyond in everything she does. She’s been incredibly inspiring in that way.
“Switching between mother-daughter and colleague modes comes naturally to us. We both understand that, when we’re at work, we’re at work. That said, she does occasionally give me the classic ‘mum look’ and the nurses can definitely back me up on that.
“Patients occasionally discover the family link, often reacting with good-natured surprise.
“Some of our patients are aware, although we don’t tend to make it obvious. When patients do find out, they usually ask my mum how her daughter ended up so much taller than she is! Others joke that dentistry must run in the family and little do they know my sister also used to be a dental nurse, too.”
It’s really nice to have someone there who understands when I’m having a difficult day. And if I ever forget to bring something with me, I can always pinch hers!
The perks of a family colleague
Megan shares what she loves the most about working with her mum: “The unique comforts… like her birthday buffets are also something I love about working with my mum – they are quite notorious in the practice,” she says.
“But, on a more-serious note, it’s really nice to have someone there who understands when I’m having a difficult day. And if I ever forget to bring something with me, I can always pinch hers!”
On celebrating Mother’s Day, she adds: “I probably don’t say it enough, but I’m so grateful for everything she does, both in and out of work.
“From supporting me in my career at mydentist, to helping with patient referrals, she always goes above and beyond.
“I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today without her support and I feel very lucky to have her not only as my mum, but also as a colleague.”