Courtney Lacey

Courtney Lacey, BSc Oral Health Science (with distinction)

In 2023, Courtney Lacey, from Stoke-on-Trent, won the UHI Inverness Higher Education Student of the Year Award for completing her second year with flying colours after putting in extra hours to finish her coursework while undergoing treatment for Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Courtney was diagnosed in early 2023 and underwent 16 infusions of intensive chemotherapy. She found out she was in remission later that year and returned to her studies.

Courtney said: “I am so lucky to have studied at UHI Inverness. The course has been so well-organised, and we were allowed to do lectures via video calls — this meant that I only had to go up to Scotland for clinical skills sessions and to see patients.

“The Programme Director Gillian was extremely supportive throughout and nothing was too much trouble for her. Similarly, the tutors and module leaders have only ever been an email away. They are so helpful and want us to be successful. I am truly grateful for my experience at this university and have already recommended it to peers interested in becoming a dental therapist!”

Courtney is now working autonomously as a dental therapist in the practice where she used to work as a dental nurse.

She said: “I carry out examinations, diagnose, and provide treatment within my scope of practice. I also work at a second practice where I mainly carry out treatments under the referral of the dentists, and sometimes see patients under direct access there too. Every week, I am evolving and learning so much. I appreciate the clinical discussions with my colleagues and their ongoing support as I start to gain experience as a clinician in practice."