A VISIT to the dentist is less of a trauma at a village practice, thanks to Joanne Hewitson.
She is a familiar face for many of the 4,087 patients on the register of dental practitioner Stuart Cox, in Coxhoe, County Durham.
Ms Hewitson, 23, who lives in the village, has worked for Mr Cox for more than five years.
Her smile and caring nature offer reassurance for patients, so much so that she was shortlisted for Dental Nurse of the Year, in national awards run by dental product manufacturer SDS Kerr.
Ms Hewitson was picked as the regional winner, which won her a recent trip to London, for the national finals.
Although she was just pipped for the title, Joanne returned with a plaque heralding her achievement as the region's top dental nurse
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article