'She brightened up any situation, especially my life': Tributes to pioneering dental nurse as memorial fund is launched in her name

Janet Goodwin, who was a highly respected dental nurse

Janet Goodwin, from Bispham, died in September last year at the age of 65 after a long battle with breast cancer.

As an influential figure within oral health, Janet championed the importance of education and the career development of dental nurses.

Now her legacy will live on with the launch of a memorial fund in her name by the Oral Health Foundation (OHF) and the British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN).

Dental nurse Janet and husband, David, at their last clinical emergency session together at Whitegate Drive Centre, Blackpool, before David retired as a dentist

Janet’s husband, David, a retired dentist, said: “Janet was a lovely, warm lady who brightened any situation, especially my life!

“She was highly respected by all who worked above, beneath or alongside her.

“She was a wonderful wife and friend for 34 years.

“We are still reeling from the fact that until just six months ago we thought we had years ahead of life together.”

Janet, a beloved mum and grandmother, hailed from Bradford and met David within the dental profession in West Yorkshire, before moving to Blackpool in 2005.

The Janet Goodwin Memorial Fund will support dental nursing students and registered dental nurses with bursaries for career development.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, said: “Janet was a terrific ambassador for her fellow dental nurses and what better way to honour that than through a fund

which will help dental nurses.”

Janet began her career in dentistry in 1971, and worked in general practice, community, dental hospitals and further education.

In 2015, Janet became the first dental nurse to be elected president of the (OHF). She was also the first dental nurse admitted to the General Dental Council, and was awarded an

honorary fellowship of the faculty of General Dental Practice in 2019.

She was a long time supporter of BADN, the professional association for dental nurses, which is based at the Hillhouse International Business Centre in Thornton. She was also a former

chairman of the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses.

Jacqui Elsden, president of the British Association of Dental Nurses, added: “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 health care.

“I feel immensely proud to be part of the collaboration leading to the founding of the fund in her memory.”

To find out more about the Janet Goodwin Memorial Fund and to make a donation, visit www.dentalhealth.org/janetgoodwin.

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