*Jacqueline O’Brien.
GROWING up in Kilmaley, Jacqueline O’Brien’s career trajectory was anything but straightforward.
In an exclusive interview with The Clare Echo, the Limerick-based dentist shares her remarkable journey from childhood dreams to owning her own practice and the insights she’s gained along the way.
“I always liked teeth when I was younger,” Jacqueline laughs, her journey into dentistry stemming from an appreciation for a nice smile. Yet, her path to becoming a dentist was far from linear. Initially aspiring to be a primary school teacher in her younger years and then veterinary due to her love for animals and family farming background, it was a serendipitous encounter with dentistry during her secondary school years at Coláiste Mhuire in Ennis that set her on her current path.
“I wanted to do Medicine and then my cousin was studying Dentistry and my parents said ‘why don’t you think about that?’. I was good at arts and crafts and making things and just good with working with my hands. The caring aspect of my personality, along with my preference to work practically, meant that dentistry was a very appealing career path for me. The notion that I could help people every day while working in such a hands-on way, really interested me. Once I got that idea into my head, it was something that I really wanted to pursue.”
Despite initial setbacks, including missing out on her desired course by a mere 10 points in her Leaving Cert, Jacqueline’s determination led her to repeat the exams in St Flan nan’s and ultimately secure a place to study Dental Science at Trinity College Dublin.
Five years of intensive study followed, during which Jacqueline honed her skills and laid the foundation for her future career.
Post-graduation, she embarked on a two year stint in the UK, gaining invaluable experience working in both general dental practice and within the NHS hospital system in a surgical post. However, the pull of home and a blossoming relationship with her now husband, Clonlara native Ronan, prompted her return to Ireland, where she finally settled in Clare and began working in the Ennis Dental Health Centre.
Jacqueline’s journey took a pivotal turn when she purchased her own practice in Limerick in November 2019 from Dr John O’Callaghan, who had run his dental practice for 50 years. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic shortly after, she persevered, modernizing the practice, and expanding its services.
Today, she proudly oversees a thriving business, supported by a dedicated team of dental nursing support staff-Tommy, Elaine and Haim, along with dental hygienist Lousie Dore and dentist Dr Wiktoria Grabarz.
Reflecting on the transition from associate dentist to business owner, Jacqueline acknowledges the steep learning curve, but credits mentorship from her industry peers and a supportive network for her growth. “Learning on the job as you go along,” she explains, “has been essential.” Jacqueline sets aside a day a week for administration and business planning. She highlights the importance of work-life balance, dedicating time to both professional development and per sonal well-being, including her passion for CrossFit and outdoor activities, listening to podcasts and spending time with friends and family.
In navigating the challenges of her profession, Jacqueline emphasizes the significance of communication and patient care especially in terms of managing nervous patients to ensure a positive experience for all.
She also notes the advancements in dentistry including better treatment outcomes thanks to modern magnification techniques, digital scanners, and advancements in minimally invasive adhesive dentistry.
She adds, “If someone wants to improve the appearance of their smile there are a number of minimally invasive things we can do.
“We can look at straightening teeth, whitening, and using composite bonding to improve the overall smile aesthetic. By following a minimally invasive and preventative approach to dental care, it means that we can preserve and maintain tooth structure for much longer and ultimately prevent tooth loss in many more cases. So, it’s just about people being aware of the options available to them, if you’re comfortable with your dentist that should be something you can discuss with them.”
Looking ahead, Jacqueline remains open-minded about the future of her practice.
While content with its current size and scope, she doesn’t rule out the possibility of expansion, mindful of maintaining a balance that aligns with her desired lifestyle.
When asked for a pearl of wisdom on what success means, the Kilmaley native says it simply comes down to enjoying what you do. “I think success to me means, number one, being fulfilled and doing something you actually enjoy, so it’s not a chore to go to work every day,” she tells The Clare Echo.
“Then, I suppose to be able to make a living that supports the lifestyle that you want and to be able to have downtime and a good work-life balance would be really important measures of success.”
As she continues to serve her patients with dedication and compassion, her journey stands as a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and unwavering determination.
