Three Hartlepool teenagers are all smiles as they were awarded Level 3 advanced apprenticeships in Dental Nursing by a thriving Hartlepool dental practice.

Ellie Hudson, Tyler Bedow and Leona Smith will work under the guidance of the vastly-experienced Dr Caroline Jackson, Clinical Director at the Hartlepool Dental and Implant Centre, which has three outlets in the town.

Ellie will work from the Victoria Road base, Tyler from the Northgate, Headland base and Leona from the Victoria Road practice.

Dr Caroline said: “Our practices are always vibrant and positive places to work, but the arrivals of Ellie, Tyler and Leona has just made the atmosphere even better amongst us all. The girls are really thrilled to be joining our ever-expanding team in the three bases that we have in Hartlepool."

"We too love what they bring to us and we as a team will help the girls to launch their careers in dentistry. Along with working closely with our friendly staff, they will also be put through extensive training and industry courses in the years ahead.

“As the Clinical Director of the group it will be my job to see that they get the very best direction and to make the town of Hartlepool proud of the three of them. It will be hard work for the trio – but they all have what it takes to make great careers from this starting base."

Ellie said: “We’re all thrilled to be given these wonderful opportunities by Caroline and her team and we love the great team spirit which makes it all so much better. The work has started now and friends and family visit us as patients and they are proud and delighted for us that we have jobs in such a great environment as we set out on our working life."

Caroline added: “It has been such a busy period for us in Hartlepool as we continue to keep up with our ever-expanding portfolio of patients – we now employ more than 30 people and have recently completed a major refurbishment over in our Northgate base on the Headland.

“There are other plans in the future to keep on improving every aspect of the many services we offer. Giving youngsters based in town the opportunity to work with us – as in this case - makes it all the more special. Their joy is clear for all to see and we are delighted with the girls' progress."