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From Dental Graduate to confident Clinician: Dr Lucy Lockwood's story
At Bupa, we believe that the early years of a dental career are where clinicians find their feet, a love for their craft, and build their skills to be confident. We also know that having the right support can make all the difference.
Dr Lucy Lockwood, one of Bupa Dental Graduate Program alumni, is now a confident Dentist practicing out of our Barossa clinic.
Her journey shows how the right support early on can turn those daunting first steps into a positive and rewarding start to a career in practice.
After graduating in 2023, Lucy was looking for more than just clinical experience. She wanted a program that would help her learn, grow, and build meaningful connections with mentors and peers.
“Deciding on a new grad position is daunting,” Lucy shared. “I was drawn to the program because of its strong focus on mentorship, ongoing professional development, and networking opportunities.”
From day one, Lucy felt the difference.
“Day-to-day work in the clinic is dynamic, busy, and rewarding,” she says. “There’s always an opportunity to learn from experienced dentists and build your clinical skills. Having a dedicated mentor who provided guidance, constructive feedback, and ongoing encouragement was truly invaluable.”
At Bupa, we’re proud to offer more than just clinical exposure. Our program includes a thoughtfully designed curriculum that supports development beyond the chair — covering areas like leadership, financial skills, and community impact to help prepare graduates for long-term success.
“The online education sessions and in-person events covered a wide range of clinical topics and were a great way to expand our knowledge,” Lucy shared. “They also gave us the chance to connect with other graduates across Bupa.”
That sense of connection is something many of our graduates value most — especially in their first year.
“While the first year out can feel overwhelming, it was reassuring to share both challenges and successes with others going through the same experience,” Lucy explains.
Reflecting on her decision, Lucy says, “I’m really glad I joined the Barossa Dental team and Bupa’s Graduate Program. It supported my transition into practice and gave me a strong foundation for my career.”
Lucy’s story is one of growth, support, and confidence — exactly what we aim to provide for every clinician who joins Bupa.
Interested in taking the first step in your dental career?
We are excited to welcome our next cohort of dental and OHT graduates into our two programs. These programs are designed to provide you with a supportive environment, real-world clinical experience, and opportunities to connect with like-minded peers all while building a strong foundation for your future.
Learn more about the Bupa Dental and OHT programs and see what’s coming up for 2026. We’d love to help you kick start your career – just like Lucy.
Join us – be at the heart of dentistry’s future.
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