Lucy Hildyard is a fifth-year dental student at the University of Plymouth, where she’s enjoying vibrant student life and hands-on clinical experiences. The dental school structure at Plymouth is similar to dental practice and she’s getting lots of exposure to clinical experience early on.

We spoke to Lucy about how her faith influences her journey in dentistry, her views on inclusivity, and her thoughts on balancing the demands of dentistry with religious observance—especially during the festive season.

Finding Faith and Community in Dentistry

Lucy entered the world of dentistry inspired by her own experiences with braces as a teenager; “I was fascinated by the process and curious about it as a career.” Joining the Christian Union helped her connect with peers who shared her faith, while clinical practice offered a secular perspective and experience.

“My clinical partners have been Hindu and Muslim. Once we got to know each other, we became comfortable discussing faith. We share an acceptance of, and interest in, one another’s beliefs, but it was important to get to know the person before opening up conversations that are so personal.”

Faith in Practice: Compassion, Perspective, and Purpose

Lucy sees strong parallels between her faith and her work as a dental student.

“Helping people is central to both my faith and dentistry. I try to treat everyone with compassion and fairness, which aligns with the values I hold as a Christian.”

However, Lucy also acknowledges the challenges.

“Dentistry can sometimes feel materialistic—social media often portrays it as glamorous or focused on wealth. That’s the side of dentistry that doesn’t align with my views. My faith helps me stay grounded and reminds me why I chose this path: to serve others.”

Christianity, she says, gives her a broader perspective on life.

“Dentistry can be all-consuming, but my faith gives me a wider identity beyond the profession. It keeps me balanced and mentally well. I don’t feel the need to be perfect because I know God loves me regardless of my flaws. That mindset helps me be kinder to myself and others when mistakes happen.”

The Value of Community

Lucy highlights the importance of having a faith-based support network.

“In my early years, the Christian Union was invaluable. Now, being part of the Christian Dental Fellowship (CDF) has brought my two worlds—faith and dentistry—together. It’s been amazing to apply Christian principles to real-life dental situations and connect with others who share my perspective. Having a deeper routed Christian ethos to apply to dental situations is very useful.”

Faith and Inclusivity in Dentistry

When asked about attitudes toward faith, Lucy acknowledges a generally positive environment at university.

“This generation seems more accepting of different beliefs, and I’ve been fortunate not to face negativity in my day-to-day life. That said, I’ve encountered occasional challenges. I remember an industry event where a speaker made dismissive remarks about God—that was upsetting and felt disrespectful.”

Christmas: A Time for Reflection and Celebration

For Lucy, Christmas is both deeply spiritual and joyfully festive.

“I love reflecting on the birth of Jesus, reading the Gospels, and singing hymns—it’s a time to connect with my faith and remember the reason for the season. But I also enjoy the cultural traditions: decorating the tree, exploring Christmas markets, and spending time with loved ones. Both aspects are special to me.”

Balancing her studies with her faith during busy seasons like Christmas hasn’t been too challenging. “University and current clinical activity are accommodating, as I don’t have commitments on Sundays, so I can dedicate time to my faith. It’s a blessing to have that space.”

Faith, Dentistry, and the Bigger Picture

As Lucy continues her journey in dentistry, her faith remains a guiding force, helping her navigate the challenges and joys of the profession.

“Faith reminds me that dentistry is just one part of who I am. It’s rewarding and meaningful, but my identity isn’t tied solely to my career. That perspective keeps me grounded and grateful.”

Lucy’s message to others?

“Conversations about faith in dentistry can be so valuable. They help us build understanding and create a more inclusive and respectful profession. I hope we can continue to celebrate the diversity of beliefs that make our community so unique.”

You can read about other’s experiences of Christianity and Dentistry in the articles below: