Courtney Willems

Where did you study?

I studied in Groningen but I was born and raised in Maastricht.

Why did you choose dentistry for your studies, and what did you think of your course?

Before I knew there was such a job as a dental hygienist I always wanted to be an orthodontist. When it was time to go and study, I went to investigate options and I chanced upon the Dental Hygiene programme. I went to the open day and found it really interesting! The study is now four years long and pretty challenging but dental hygiene is a deepening and broadening subject, and that makes it extra interesting.

What do you like best about being a dental hygienist at Tandarts Jordaan?

That it’s a modern dental health centre with everything important under one roof. And also, that we get different kinds of patients from all over the world.

Can you still remember your first dentist? What kind of person were they?

The dentist I had in my youth was a woman who did her work very pleasantly: both personally and technically. I always felt very comfortable.

Did you always like going to the dentist’s?

Secretly I always found it kind of tense, so I wouldn’t say I ‘liked’ going, but I never found it annoying.

Do you really brush your teeth daily like you advise the patients to? 

Since I started the course I’ve done that more and more. Nowadays, I do indeed: I clean twice a day as standard and I use a toothpick too. That is always fruitful when it’s time to get back into the dentist’s chair.

When you help people, what gives you the most satisfaction?

When I’m able to trust people to just relax in the chair, and that my advice really does make a difference to them.

What do you do so that every patient goes home happy?

Listen! In dental health we work with people, everyone is different, so a standard answer is never enough. I try to ask the right questions and to listen to what the patient has said so that I can provide good care.

What has been the loveliest moment of your career so far? One that you will definitely think back on?

The time I had a very scared patient who, after the treatment, stood up, smiled, and told me he would gladly come back to me. That is a lovely compliment. 

What presumptions about dentists and dental hygienists would you gladly take away?

That we’re torturers! In the past dental healthcare was very different. Today the goal is also preventative treatment so that any big problems can be avoided. At the end of the day dentists and dental hygienists are healthcare practitioners and we just want everyone to enjoy healthy teeth for as long as possible.

What plans do you have for your future within dental care?

Right now, I’m in just the right spot, what the future will bring – I don’t know yet. 

Why do you think people should come to Tandarts Jordaan?

As I mentioned earlier, it is a very modern dental care practice with everything under one roof. So, you’re never sent out from pillar to post; and, we can keep the lines of communication short, which is really important if you want to offer good care.

What is the best tip you can give people to help them with their dental care?

All the effort and time you put into your daily dental care you earn back double or more when you’re in the dentist’s chair. The problems and time you lose in the chair are much less that way! And follow the advice you’re   given… We give it for good reason after all. 😉