Janine’s Journey – Manchester Dental Surgeon to Aesthetics Practitioner

Janine Rothburn explains her journey from Manchester dentist and dental surgeon, to developing a special interest in aesthetics as a London-based clinical trainer.

Having studied Dentistry at the University of BristoI, she explains, “I completed my Foundation Training, then went on to work in a hospital doing Oral & Maxillofacial surgery.”

If you’re considering a career in aesthetic medicine and wonder how others have successfully made the transition, Janine’s story is a great example.

We speak to our Manchester-born aesthetics training mentor to learn more about her path.

A passion for aesthetic medicine

Janine tells us, “I always had a passion for aesthetics and ironically I didn’t love teeth! So I started looking at other options.

“I was recommended some injectables courses by colleagues and opted for one at Harley Academy. I did my Foundation Training in Botox & Dermal Fillers during my Foundation Training year for dentistry.

“It was then that I fell in love with aesthetic medicine. I knew I wanted to develop my skills and knowledge even further. That’s when I chose Harley Academy again for the Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Fillers.”

Janine’s Level 7 aesthetics training experience at Harley Academy

“I absolutely loved my aesthetics training. The Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Fillers enabled me to enhance my skills, knowledge and experience. It’s allowed me to pursue a full-time career in aesthetic medicine.

“The team at Harley Academy were fantastic, from Student Support to mentors, to front-of-house. I always got so excited about my observation and mentoring days!

“I loved my mentoring sessions and the fact that it was like running my own clinic,” Janine shares.

This is something many of our Level 7 trainees tell us. Uniquely, Harley Academy offers one-to-one mentoring sessions throughout your practical injectables training. This means you consult and treat your own patients, sourced for you by us with no patient sharing.

You conduct the entire appointment under the guidance of your mentor so you get valuable, full-treatment injecting experience. This approach also ensures you’re exposed to many different patient cohorts, treatments and consultation queries whilst supported by our specialists.

“Completing my Level 7 in injectables grew my confidence”

Janine undertook her foundation aesthetics training with Harley Academy as well as her Level 7 injectables course.

She notes, “My confidence grew significantly from starting my foundation training and completing my Level 7 Diploma.

“I felt confident to start treating between my mentoring sessions and this further enhanced my skills and expertise.”

Whilst it’s generally easy for dentists to introduce facial aesthetics to their practice, Janine decided not to combine the two by becoming a cosmetic dentist.

Transitioning from dental work to a full-time aesthetics practitioner

We asked Janine how she found the transition from dental surgeon to being a full-time aesthetics practitioner.

“Any career change is always quite difficult, but I knew it was the right path for me. Just like dentistry, aesthetic medicine is a practical job and so the more we do, the more confident we become,” she observed.

Advice for dentists looking to start aesthetics training

Our Manchester trainer enthused, “Just get going ASAP! Dental surgeons have comprehensive background knowledge of the head and neck anatomy. This is paramount in aesthetic medicine. We are also very comfortable injecting the face and have high manual dexterity.”

Our founder, aesthetic medicine expert, Dr Tristan Mehta has previously spoken about the importance of manual dexterity for medical aesthetics practitioners. This is true of all injectors, not just cosmetic dentists.

Transition to a career in medical aesthetics

If, like Janine, you’re considering an aesthetics career but you’re not sure where to start, book a call with one of our Course Advisors. They’ll talk you through each of our options and help you find your best aesthetics training route.

Our Level 7 Diploma is considered the gold standard in aesthetics higher education. It’s JCCP-approved and Ofqual-regulated so you know you’re getting the most comprehensive training possible.

We also offer a range of aesthetics courses with a specific commercial focus, targeting the most in-demand aesthetic treatments and filler zones. Whether you opt for our Aesthetics Accelerator botox and filler course, or want to add in some targeted Injectables Masterclasses after your foundation training, you'll learn new skills and approaches your patients will love.

Remote learning and in-person one-to-one mentoring

Whichever course you choose, the practical elements are all backed with an eLearning portion to immerse you in the science of each aspect. This allows you to train remotely, as do some of our Observation Days, which are conducted online. This means you can complete these elements of your aesthetics training from anywhere.

Wherever you are in your aesthetics journey, developing your skills can allow you to take charge of your career. Aesthetic medicine allows for more creativity and the freedom to work on your own terms. Janine began her story in Manchester, aesthetics training then led her to London. It’s created a career that brings her joy - and it could for you, too!

All information correct at the time of publication