Achi news desk-
Originally from Bangor in Northern Ireland but now based in Paisley, she is now involved in oral and facial prosthetics, creating facial and other features for people who have lost them due to cancer, trauma or congenital conditions .
He said: “Growing up I loved science and art.
“I really wanted to do science, and I was in two minds about which I should choose.
“My father wanted me to do science as well, but I chose art, and I studied Fine Art for three years at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
“When I heard about oral and facial prosthetics, I knew it was for me.
“It’s a job that lets me do something that improves someone’s life, for the rest of their life.”
To get her coaching job, Danielle was one of the first students in Scotland to benefit from the Scientific Training Program (STP) to study a Masters in Reconstructive Science and after graduating from Cardiff, Danielle did a Masters in Forensic Art and Patient Identification at the University of Dundee.
In order to pursue a career in oral and facial prosthetics the next step was to gain a degree in dental technology as it was an essential criterion for the job, and that meant studying with the University of Worcester while working in various laboratories dental in Birmingham.
She eventually applied for the job at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and, after a “bench test” – where she was able to show she had what it takes to do the job – she successful.
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Ms Adair said: “I’m halfway through my three-year Masters, and I’m loving it.
“I love the patients and the people I work with.
“I need to spend a lot of time with patients so that I get to build a real relationship with them. It’s hard to describe how satisfying it is to help them, just so they feel like they can leave the house again, or see their children or grandchildren.
“Prosthetics takes art to the next level. I sculpt and paint things that are completely unique, so it’s a great challenge for me. We paint each eye ourselves and sculpt each ear and nose by hand.
“And every day is different. I work with people who have suffered from cancer or really devastating trauma, illness or injury, and I help them rebuild their lives.
“This is a hidden work of art and that’s the way I like it. The better I do it, the less people will know it’s there. I want my work to be part of the people I helps them – to be truly invisible.
“I’m so happy I found this career. But it’s almost like it’s not just for me. I’d love nothing more than to tell a 16-year-old girl like me – someone not sure where she can art takes them beyond that, painting and sculpting – this is what you can do.
Her father, who had wanted her to study science, died of cancer last year aged 62.
Ms Adair said: “My dad was a supporter of me in everything I did and I’m glad he knows I got this post.
“He was so proud of me for chasing my dream and wanting to help others with my artistic abilities to get their lives back after what cancer or trauma took from them.”
Pauline Paul, Consultant Oral and Facial Prosthetist/Clinical Reconstructive Scientist (Lab Manager) said: “Danielle is the first Reconstructive Science Trainee we have had in the Oral and Facial Laboratory through the Scientific Training Programme, thank you to funding from NES [NHS National Education for Scotland] and we are so lucky to have her.
“She is dedicated and has everything we need with a clear talent for art and science, and the ability to make patients feel comfortable during their appointments.
“Reconstructive science is just one of a wide range of careers and roles in the Healthcare Sciences that all make a huge difference to patients’ lives.”
