Bright Futures Begin Here: Madalyn’s Story of Support and Success

At just 18, Madalyn (Maddy) Pobje stepped into Bupa Dental Karratha with “a curious mind and a heart set on healthcare.” Four years later, she’s a qualified dental assistant whose journey reflects the power of resilience, mentorship, and a team that truly backs its people.

“I knew within the first few months that this was it for me,” Maddy says. “There was something about the pace, the people, and the purpose that just clicked.”

Drawn to healthcare from a young age, Maddy saw joining Bupa Dental Karratha as a chance to learn, contribute, and grow. After two years in the practice, she decided to formalise her skills by enrolling in the Certificate III in Dental Assisting through Foundation Education.

“It wasn’t always easy,” she admits. “But I was super motivated. The process was smooth, and I had so much support from my practice manager, Charlie, every step of the way.”

Thanks to the Bupa Study Assistance Program, Maddy’s course fees were fully covered, allowing her to focus on learning without financial stress. “Supporting staff to grow is essential,” says Charlie Riordan, Practice Manager at Bupa Dental Karratha. “Maddy’s achievement is a proud moment for her, for the practice, and for me as a PM.”

Confidence every step of the way

Charlie’s support went beyond encouragement. She supervised Maddy’s workbooks, kept her on track with deadlines, and created space for learning in the day-to-day rhythm of the practice.

“Maddy already knew so much from her time on the job,” Charlie adds. “But watching her connect the dots and seeing her confidence grow as she understood the ‘why’ behind what we do, that was special.”

For Maddy, the biggest shift wasn’t just in knowledge, it was in confidence. “Before the course, I was following the workflows, but I didn’t always understand why,” she explains. “Now I know the detail, the background, the purpose. Every step is critical especially in infection control. It makes me feel like I’m doing things right, every time.”

A team that supports and elevates each other 

“We’re like a little family here,” Charlie says. “Everyone pitches in, and we genuinely care about each other. That’s what makes growth like Maddy’s possible, it’s a team effort.”

Maddy agrees. “The team’s support has meant everything. From the clinicians to the front desk, everyone’s been encouraging. It’s made me feel like I belong like I’m part of something bigger.”

Looking ahead

Since completing her Certificate III, Maddy has enrolled in the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting with Radiation Skillset, again with the full support of her team and Bupa. Her advice? “Don’t be afraid to ask clinicians and the team for feedback. I recommend everyone thinking about getting their qualifications and don’t be afraid to go for it!”

With aspirations to study Oral Health Therapy one day, Maddy’s future looks bright, and her story is a reminder that with the right support, anything’s possible.

Interested in joining Bupa's Dental Assistant Traineeship and want to learn more? Apply now and be at the heart of it.

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