From Dental Graduate to confident Clinician: Dr Lucy Lockwood's story

At Bupa, we believe that the early years of a dental career are where clinicians find their feet, a love for their craft, and build their skills to be confident. We also know that having the right support can make all the difference. This is why Bupa has announced its two graduate programs: for Dentists and Oral Health Therapists, starting this year in July 2025.

Dr Lucy Lockwood, a recent 2024 graduate, now confident Dentist practicing out of our Barossa clinic has shared her thoughts on her experience with the Bupa Dental Graduate Program. Her experience is a great example of how the right start can turn daunting first steps into a positive and impactful journey into practice.

When Lucy graduated in 2024, she was looking for a program that offered more than just clinical experience but one that would provide an opportunity learn, grow and connect with mentors and peers. “Deciding on a new grad position is daunting” she shared. “I was drawn to the program because of its strong focus on mentorship, ongoing professional development and networking opportunities”.

From day one, Lucy felt the impact of this supportive environment. “Day-to-day work in the clinic is dynamic, busy and rewarding” she says. “There is always an opportunity to learn from experienced dentists and expand clinical skills. Additionally, having a dedicated mentor who provided guidance, constructive, feedback and continuous encouragement was truly invaluable”.

Bupa is proud of our approach to going beyond clinical work and providing a considered curriculum for the year that covers a range of areas outside of clinical like leadership, financial, community impact to develop graduates’ skills to prepare them for life after the program. “The Bupa New Graduate online educational sessions and in-person events featured diverse clinical topics that provided fantastic opportunities to expand our knowledge and skills. These gatherings also facilitated connecting with other Bupa graduates” lucy shared.

This sense of connection and comradery with peers is something many of our graduates feel and value as part of their experience with us especially in their first year. “While the first year out can easily become overwhelming, it was reassuring that as a group we could share our challenges and successes experienced throughout the year together”, Lucy explains.

When asked why Lucy joined Bupa, she shared “I’m glad I chose to join the Barossa Dental team and Bupa’s Dental Graduate program as it supported my transition into clinical practice and laid a strong foundation for my career”.

Lucy’s story is one of growth, support, and confidence, which is exactly what we aim to offer every clinician who joins Bupa.

Interested in taking the first step in your dental career?

We are excited to welcome our next cohort of dental and OHT graduates into our two programs. These programs are designed to provide you with a supportive environment, real-world clinical experience, and opportunities to connect with like minded peers all while building a strong foundation for your future.

Learn more about the Bupa Dental and OHT program and see what’s coming up for 2025/2026. We’d love to help you kick start your career – just like Lucy.

Join us – be at the heart of dentistry’s future.