1st Call Agency has been proudly named the winner of the Heroes of Industry: Qualified Locum Dental Nurse Agency 2026, recognising its outstanding contribution to supporting dental practices with reliable, highly skilled professionals across the South East.
Led by Sandra Hill, 1st Call Agency is renowned for its strong network of qualified dental nurses and has built a reputation for delivering dependable and flexible staffing solutions. Each nurse is carefully selected, fully DBS checked, and registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and patient care.
With a focus on efficiency and continuity, the agency works closely with dental practices to minimise disruption caused by both planned and unexpected absences.


Whether short-term or long-term cover is required, 1st Call Agency remains committed to ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of clinics through prompt and effective support.
For Sandra, the heart of the business lies in understanding both sides of the relationship between nurse and practice.
“My primary goal is to match the right nurse with the right practice. When the nurse and dentist work well together, the day flows smoothly, patients are happy, and the whole team feels supported. Creating that balance is at the heart of what I do.”
Operating as a fully insured agency across the South East, 1st Call Agency continues to stand out for its dedication to excellence, responsiveness, and the quality of its workforce. Its nurses are not only highly trained but also adaptable, often willing to travel to meet the needs of practices in various locations.
Sandra believes the dental staffing sector is evolving, particularly as more nurses explore locum opportunities. She notes that dental nurses are often undervalued within practices, leading many to seek greater flexibility and independence through agency work.
She also highlights the advantages for dental practices working with locum nurses.
“I believe more practices will start to see the advantages of using locum nurses, no holiday pay, sick pay, tax, or national insurance contributions, and access to nurses who are constantly learning and adapting. Locum nurses bring flexibility, experience, and fresh knowledge, and I think they’ll increasingly be viewed as an asset rather than a temporary fix.”
This reflects the growing importance of flexible staffing solutions across the dental industry, as practices manage increasing workloads, staffing shortages, and patient demand. Agencies such as 1st Call Agency play a key role in maintaining continuity of care.
Sandra also emphasises the benefits of locum work for dental nurses, including skill development, independence, variety, and exposure to different working environments.
Behind the agency’s success is a hands-on approach built on communication, honesty, and reliability. Sandra remains closely involved in supporting both nurses and practices, ensuring smooth placements and ongoing assistance whenever needed.
To stay aligned with industry developments, Sandra keeps up to date with dental news, engages with professionals, and maintains regular communication within the sector. This proactive approach ensures 1st Call Agency continues to deliver high standards and adapt to changing needs.
For those considering a career in dental nursing or locum work, Sandra offers straightforward advice, highlighting the importance of commitment, training, and continuous learning. While the role can be demanding, it is also highly rewarding for those willing to invest in their development.
This award recognises 1st Call Agency’s ongoing commitment to excellence in locum dental nurse provision. As demand for flexible staffing solutions continues to grow, the agency remains a trusted partner for dental practices across the South East.
📧 agency1stcall@outlook.com
📞 07907 368681
🌐 www.1stcallagencyltd.co.uk