Worcester uni student with Fine Arts degree sculpts facial prosthetics

Former University of Worcester student Danielle Adair, 28, has become a Trainee Reconstructive Scientist in the Maxillofacial Laboratory at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.

After graduating from Cardiff Metropolitan University with her degree in Fine Art, Danielle discovered the world of maxillofacial prosthetics.

It is the practice of rehabilitating patients who have lost a facial feature due to cancer, trauma or a congenital condition.

Danielle, from Paisley, Scotland, always wanted to use her talent to help others, was immediately drawn to the field and began researching her next steps.

“Growing up I loved science and art,” said Danielle.

“I really wanted to do science, and I was in two minds about which I should choose.

"My dad wanted me to do science too, but I chose art, and studied Fine Art for three years at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

"When I heard about Maxillofacial 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.”

PROSTHETICS: Danielle Adair at work making prosthetics (Image: SWNS)

She travelled to Scotland to study a Masters degree in Forensic Art and Patient Identification at Dundee University, before obtaining a further degree in Dental Technology from the University of Worcester.

“I need to spend a lot of time with patients so I get to build a real rapport with them. 

"It’s hard to describe how satisfying it is to help them, just so they feel they can leave the house again, or see their kids or grandkids.”

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“Prosthetics is taking art to the next level. I’m sculpting and painting things that are completely unique, so it’s a wonderful challenge for me."

Danielle hopes to continue working in the Maxillofacial Laboratory after her training is complete - and her coworkers say they are "lucky to have her."

Danielle added: “I’m so happy I’ve found this career. But it’s almost like it’s not just for me. I would love nothing more than to say to a 16-year-old like me – someone not sure where art can take them beyond painting and sculpture – ‘this is what you can do. Never give up on what you really want’.”

Sadly, Danielle’s dad, Alan, died of cancer last year at the age of 62, and while that comes with great sadness for her, she finds some solace in the fact he saw her do so much with her talents.