Meet Maggie Burley, a Registered and Accredited Veterinary Nurse from Australia and new member of the WSAVA Global Dental Committee
Could you introduce yourself briefly to WSAVA members?
I’ve been a veterinary nurse for almost 15 years, having first started as a volunteer in a shelter. I moved into a clinic as a cleaner before being offered a trainee nurse position.
What spurred your interest in veterinary dentistry?
My interest started when I was new to veterinary nursing. I found that I had an affinity with our dental patients – I suffered dental issues of my own when I was young and had developed a phobia of attending the dentist. This led to a lifetime of pain and discomfort and a fear of receiving treatment so I could relate to our veterinary patients and their owners.
Maggie Burley
When I started nursing, oral pain wasn’t widely recognised in our veterinary patients and we simply adopted a ‘wait-&-see’ approach to oral care. Believing there was a better way, I started on my learning journey, which led me to attaining the Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Dental) (Australia), followed by the Veterinary Technician Specialty (Dentistry) (USA). Studying confirmed that our profession has come a long way in the last decade and opened my eyes as to where this field of veterinary medicine is heading and the integral role the veterinary nurse/technician plays in assisting the veterinary team, educating clients and caring for patients.
You’re a passionate educator – what do you enjoy most about this?
Our industry is continually evolving with new and better ways to care for our patients being developed and in no other field is this more evident than in dentistry. New technology and advancements in treatment options and industry leaders willingly sharing their knowledge and experience are helping to bridge gaps in knowledge and ensuring that we can all offer the highest standards of care to our patients. For me, educating is an opportunity to share my passion and enthusiasm to engage and motivate learners in the field that I am most passionate about and the rewards are sharing in their successes as they introduce dental care programs into their practices.
Why did you want to join the WSAVA’s Global Dental Committee and what do you hope to achieve?
When I saw that a position was available for a veterinary nurse/technician I knew I had to apply! I view my position as validation and recognition of the integral role that veterinary nurses play in the care of dental patients and I want all veterinary nurses / technicians to acknowledge how important their role is.
What will the Committee be working on for the remainder of this year and next?
Our goal is to promote the Global Dental Guidelines and further expand knowledge and skills in veterinary dentistry on a global scale. The Guidelines are a scaffold to support the entire general practice veterinary team in developing and introducing a strong dental care program in their clinic ensuring a consistent and comprehensive approach to patient care and client education.
Could you tell us something about you that might surprise us?
I have had a variety of jobs over the years, from working in insolvency to being a legal secretary, then production assistant in an electric sign company, to a small business manager and book-keeper before even entering the veterinary industry!