This week has seen the launch of the 2027 NASDAL Dental Check by One Practice of the Year award. Launched by Chair of NASDAL (National Association of Dental Accountants and Lawyers), Heidi Marshall, the award, now in its ninth year, seeks to recognise a dental practice that has been successfully implementing and supporting the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) Dental Check by One (DCby1) initiative into their practice. The aim of the campaign is to increase the number of children who access dental care aged 0-2 years.
The award will be presented by CDO England, Jason Wong, at the BDIA Dental Showcase in Docklands ExCeL on Friday 5th March 2027. The NASDAL DCby1 Practice of the Year award seeks to highlight excellence in the provision of oral care for children with a prevention focus, and showcase the opportunity to achieve real business improvement. Particular credit is given to applications from dental practices with evidence supporting their contribution to the overall health of their community. The judging panel takes into consideration creative approaches that may show qualitative and / or quantitative results.
Heidi said, “Now in its ninth year, this Award shines a light on something truly special: the difference dental practices can make to the lives of children and families in their communities. Every year, we are moved by the passion, imagination and sheer dedication of our entrants, who go above and beyond to give children the healthiest possible start in life. By encouraging families to bring their children to the dentist from their very first tooth, these practices are helping to build positive habits, prevent problems before they start and create a generation of children who can grow up with healthier smiles.
“At NASDAL, we are incredibly proud to support this Award because we believe every child deserves that start. But we also want to show that prevention and commercial success are not competing priorities. When practices truly embrace the Dental Check by One philosophy, they are investing in something much bigger than a single appointment. They are building trust with families, forging lasting relationships within their communities and creating stronger, more sustainable businesses. Ultimately, this is about more than dentistry. It’s about changing attitudes, improving lives and giving children the best possible chance of a lifetime of good oral health. We want to celebrate the practices making that happen and inspire many more to follow their lead.”
President of the BSPD, Dr Rachael Nichol commented: “As the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry’s Dental Check by One programme enters its ninth year, we continue to champion the importance of introducing children to dental care as soon as their first tooth appears. Prevention is at the heart of everything we do, and the habits formed in those early years can shape a child’s oral health for life.
“The Dental Check by One Award celebrates the outstanding teamwork that goes into encouraging families to bring their babies to the dentist and making dental visits a normal part of growing up. Every year we are inspired by the creative ways dental teams engage parents and carers.
“With interest in the Award growing each year, we hope even more infants will benefit from early dental visits. I would strongly encourage dental teams across the UK to enter, so that we can recognise the remarkable work you do every day for your youngest patients and their families.”
To enter the 2027 NASDAL DCby1 award, please visit https://www.nasdal.org.uk/award , where you will find all the relevant details and can register. All entries must be submitted before 5pm, Friday 5th February 2027. The winning practice will receive £1000, a trophy, and the right to use the NASDAL Dental Check by One Practice of the Year 2027 title.
