Dr Louise Belfield

Dr Louise Belfield is a Dental Nurse, Research Scientist, and Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at Peninsula Dental School, Plymouth, UK. Louise trained as a Dental Nurse in Devon, qualifying (NEBDN) in 2001. She has worked across a range of dental specialties at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust including community, special care, and emergency dentistry. She has worked with Devon Doctors, providing out of hours emergency dental care, and in general dental NHS and private practices.

Continuing to practice as a locum Dental Nurse, Louise gained a BSc (Hons) Human Biosciences at University of Plymouth, graduating in 2004, and went on to achieve a PhD in Immunology (2013), and a post-graduate certificate in Clinical Education (2014). Louise is a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy – a professional membership scheme. Following her unique route into dental academia, Louise is passionate about career development for Dental Nurses and is a proud advocate for recognition of the profession.

Louise brings to the NEBDN Board, experience in clinical dental nursing practice and education across the dental team. She leads the BSc Dental Therapy & Hygiene Life Sciences curriculum in a pioneering programme specifically focused on inter-professional education. Co-ordinating several pedagogic research activities, she has a particular interest in curriculum development, assessment modalities, and admission, progression, and graduation of students from non-traditional entry backgrounds within a widening participation agenda.

Louise was appointed as Chair of Trustees in October 2024.