Ariane Anderson

Ariane is currently employed as an Oral Health Therapist at Invisible Orthodontics. She considered studying in Sydney but decided to study regionally because of the supportive community she had established there. She was fond of the sense of community in Rockhampton that was more inclusive for her.

Ariane has gone from dental assistant to oral health therapist, assessing treatment plans and conducting treatments on patients. She has taken a big step up in her career which she attributes to completing her bachelor studies. With this degree under her belt, a significant increase in her responsibilities has meant an increase in job satisfaction as she is now the person at the forefront in assisting patients to improve their oral and overall health.

Her biggest personal highlight includes completing her degree – "I didn't do well in my secondary education so had significant doubts in my ability to graduate. Not only did I graduate with distinction, but I was the first Indigenous student to give the student response at my graduation ceremony."

Professionally, Ariane feels a sense of pride when a patient who is very dentally anxious accepts examination and treatment, leaving with a smile and feeling happy to return.