The Oral Health Foundation (OHF) and the British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) have launched the Janet Goodwin Memorial Fund in recognition of the former OHF president, who died in October 2020.
An influential figure in oral health, the OHF said, Goodwin spent much of her career championing the importance of education and the career development of dental nurses. The fund will be used to further those causes, the OHF said.
The Janet Goodwin Memorial Fund will support dental nursing students and registered dental nurses with bursaries for the development of their careers. For dental nursing students, this might take the form of financial help with their education, while qualified dental nurses can apply for support with postgraduate studies.
The OHF and BADN hope the new series of grants can help provide much needed financial support for individuals pursuing a career in dental nursing.
“I would like to think Janet would be really proud of a project like this. During her distinguished career, Janet battled hard for her profession and made fantastic strides in boosting the visibility of dental nursing amongst the profession and the public,” said Dr. Nigel Carter, OBE, CEO of the OHF.
“Janet was a terrific ambassador for her fellow dental nurses, and what better way to honor that than through a fund which will help dental nurses further their careers. By providing support for our future dental nurses, as well as current ones, this fund will help secure a stronger and brighter future for dentistry as a whole,” said Carter.
Goodwin was used to breaking down barriers during her career and was passionate about improving the oral health of people throughout the country, the OHF said.
In 2015, Goodwin became the first dental nurse to be elected president of the OHF in its 50-year history. She also was the first dental nurse admitted to the General Dental Council. She was chair of the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN), and the second dental nurse to hold that position, and later employed by the NEBDN as qualifications manager.
Also, Goodwin was a longtime active member and Fellow of the BADN as well as a recipient of its Outstanding Contribution to Dental Nursing Award.
“It is without doubt that Janet will be truly missed across the dental community. She was a wonderful advocate for our dental nursing profession, particularly for dental nurse education and oral healthcare,” said Jacqui Elsden, president of the BADN.
“I feel immensely proud to be part of the collaboration leading to the founding of the fund in her memory. It will be a unique opportunity for dental nurses to begin or further their career in dental nursing and inspire a new generation,” said Elsden.
For more information or to make a donation to the fund, visit dentalhealth.org/janetgoodwin.
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