Strong sense of purpose: Galina’s story

Galina Mitrofanova has been working as a dental technician for more than 40 years. She commenced her career by training as a dental technician in St Petersburg, Russia, before making the move to Australia in 2000.

“I’ve always had a strong creative side and enjoyed painting and drawing. It was this creativity which led me to a career as a dental ceramist, because it combines creativity with precision. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and had a strong interest in art, so it felt like a natural path,” Galina said.

“Over the years, I’ve worked across both private and public sectors and have been fortunate to learn from highly skilled technicians and prosthodontists. I have decades of experience as a ceramist, with a focus on delivering high-quality, aesthetic restorations.”

Galina has professional expertise across all stages of complex crown and bridge fabrication – from impressions through to final completion. She works with a wide range of materials, including all-ceramic crowns, e.max veneers, zirconia, and implant-supported restorations. She also has experience with digital workflows, including 3Shape design and CAD/CAM processes.

At RDHM, Galina thrives on the dynamic environment of the hospital lab.

“One of the things I value most about working in a hospital setting is the opportunity to manage cases from start to finish. Unlike many private laboratories where work is often segmented, at RDHM I am involved in the full process – from initial impressions to the final restoration,” Galina said.

“This means my days are varied and depend on the stage of each case. A typical day might include pouring impressions, building and staining porcelain, preparing models and dyes, scanning and designing crowns, or pressing and finishing e.max restorations. No two days are the same, and I find the work engaging and rewarding,” she said.

Galina spent many years working in the private sector where she worked on highly aesthetic cases, helping patients restore their smiles and confidence. She now focuses on supporting patients in the public oral health sector – where she knows her skills make a real difference.

“At this stage of my life and career, my motivation has shifted. I feel a strong sense of purpose in using my experience to support patients in the public system – people who may not otherwise have access to this level of care,” she said.

“Being able to contribute my skills where they can make a meaningful difference is what drives me now. For me, it’s not just about aesthetics – it’s about restoring function, confidence, and quality of life. After many years in private practice, it is very meaningful to use my skills to support a broader range of patients and to deliver the same level of care regardless of background.”

The collaborative spirit at RDHM fuels Galina’s work, as she engages with a multidisciplinary team to achieve the best results.

“The best part of working in my area is the ability to be involved in the full process and there is a strong sense of collaboration, and everyone is working towards the same goal – achieving the best possible outcome for the patient. I also value the variety and independence in my role, as well as the opportunity to continuously apply and refine my skills,” she said.

Reflecting on the impact she’s made over her incredible career in oral health, her exceptional technical mastery is undeniable.

“One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is developing the ability to manage complex cases from start to finish with consistent, high-quality results. Over the years, I’ve built the experience and confidence to take full responsibility for each stage of the process – from the initial impression through to the final restoration – ensuring both functional and aesthetic outcomes are achieved,” she said.

Galina shares her advice for aspiring dental technicians – especially those who possess an artistic spark.

“This career can be very rewarding if you are willing to apply yourself and commit to developing your skills over time. It requires strong manual ability, a good eye for shape and shade, and an understanding of digital workflows,” she said.

“Equally important are patience and attention to detail – it’s a profession that demands focus and consistency. You need to be someone who enjoys working carefully and takes pride in precision. If you are both technically minded and creative, it can be a very fulfilling career. It’s a profession where small details make a big difference to people’s lives.”

Galina thrives by combining technical mastery with creativity, making a significant impact on people's lives one smile at a time.