Denovo – Leaderboard – August 2025
London Dentistry – Leaderboard – July 2026
Listerine v2 – Leaderboard – July 2026
Evident – Leaderboard – September 2025
Sprintray – Leaderboard – September 2025
Swallow – Leaderboard – July 2025
Oral Health

National Smile Month Award

  • The name and description of the event or initiative and its stated aims
  • The number of people involved and how they were encouraged to take part
  • The details of the measures used to gauge the success of the event
  • How the event performed against these measures
  • Size of team undertaking the event

In addition, the entry must include:

  • Feedback from participants
  • Copies of press coverage and/or PR
  • Promotional literature and/or samples
  • Images of the event
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Dentist of the Year

To qualify for this award you must have been a practising dentist for a minimum of 10 years, and be 35 years old or older on 8th February 2026, and must show evidence of the following:

  • A commitment to the highest levels of patient care
  • Leadership and people management skills
  • Dedication to self-training above and beyond that of statutory requirements
  • The highest levels of clinical care and technical expertise within their sphere of practice
  • A wider commitment to the dental profession (for example, association membership, involvement in mentoring/tutoring, dental committee participation).

In addition, the entry must include:

  • Testimonials from patients and colleagues, up to a maximum of five
  • A recent clinical case study
  • An image of the person nominated

Young Dentist of the Year

The entry requirements for this category are the same as for Dentist of the Year. The only difference being that only dentists who have been qualified for no more than 10 years and will be under 35 years old on 8th February 2026 may enter.

The British Association of Dental Therapists

Dental Therapist of the Year

  • Why the entrant chose dental therapy as a profession and a brief summary of their career so far including any post graduate courses and qualifications over and above mandatory CPD.
  • A brief outline of the main practice the entrant works in and how they operate as a team, highlighting the entrant’s role.
  • Details of a wider commitment to the dental profession and/ or the local community (for example, association membership, involvement in mentoring/tutoring, dental committee participation). This should not just be a collection of social media posts.
  • A description of how the entrant sees the role of the professional organisations in their field.
  • Any other relevant material to support the entry

In addition, the entry must include:

  • A case study, preferably with photographs and clinical charts, of a patient you have treated that demonstrates true understanding of individual patient care and motivation.
  • An image of the person nominated
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The British Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy

Dental Hygienist of the Year

  • Why the entrant chose dental hygiene as a profession and a brief summary of their career so far including any post graduate courses and qualifications over and above mandatory CPD.
  • A brief outline of the main practice the entrant works in and how they operate as a team, highlighting the entrant’s role.
  • Details of a wider commitment to the dental profession and/ or the local community (for example, association membership, involvement in mentoring/tutoring, dental committee participation). This should not just be a collection of social media posts.
  • A description of how the entrant sees the role of the professional organisations in their field.
  • Any other relevant material to support the entry

In addition, the entry must include:

  • A case study, preferably with photographs and clinical charts, of a patient you have treated that demonstrates true understanding of individual patient care and motivation.
  • An image of the person nominated
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Association of dental administrators and managers

Practice Manager of the Year

  • How the entrant became involved in practice management, and how they have made a difference to the practice
  • Examples of policies/procedures put in place to ensure maximum benefit to the practice
  • Details of time management procedures, knowledge of personnel issues and, if applicable, accounting
  • Commitment to keeping up-to-date with relevant legislation and management trends
  • Any other relevant material to support the entry

In addition, the entry must include:

  • Explanation of a typical working day
  • Details of any relevant training undertaken
  • An image of the person nominated
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the british association of dental nurses

Dental Nurse of the Year

  • Why the entrant chose dental nursing as a profession and the difference they make to patients and the dental team
  • Examples of how they balance empathy with patients with the demands of clinical care
  • Dedication to self-training above and beyond that of statutory requirements
  • A wider commitment to the dental profession (for example, association membership, involvement in mentoring/tutoring, dental committee participation)
  • Any other relevant material to support the entry

In addition, the entry must include:

  • Explanation of a typical working day
  • An image of the person nominated
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Front of House/Receptionist Award

  • Why the entrant is the ‘face’ of the practice
  • How they deal with patients, either face-to-face or on the telephone/via e-mail
  • A summary of organisational skills, which, in turn, benefit the patients/practice
  • Any other responsibilities held in the practice set-up
  • Any other relevant material to support the entry

In addition, the entry must include:

  • Explanation of a typical working day
  • Details of any relevant training undertaken
  • An image of the person nominated

Practice of the Year

This award recognises an outstanding British dental practice that excels in all areas. To enter this category you need to demonstrate and provide examples of how your practice:

  • Does things differently from others, and why this sets you apart
  • Delivers exceptional patient care
  • Provides effective training and team mentoring
  • Has positively responded to compliance
  • Encourages the team to contribute to practice development and growth
  • Interacts with the wider community

In addition, the entry must include:

  • Testimonials from patients and colleagues (max three each)
  • Photo(s) of the practice team

Team of the Year

Open to teams working within a dental practice.

  • Explain why the nominated team stands out
  • Examples of how the team’s ethos improves the patient experience
  • Examples of team working and how this improves patient care
  • Any other relevant material to support the entry

In addition, the entry must include:

  • Any press cuttings/testimonials about the team
  • An image of the team

If the entry focuses on a specific event or project where a team approach was necessary, give full details of what happened and how the team worked together for the benefit of patients and/or the wider community.

Best Outreach or Charity Initiative

This award recognises the special work that dental professionals and practices do to help others in the UK, whether it is one mega event or continuous work in the community.

  • What is your initiative – your chosen cause, fundraising event or volunteering scheme – and why did you choose this?
  • How have you made a difference to this project?
  • What events have you held, how have you raised awareness or what support have you provided?
  • What was the outcome?
  • Describe how this links with your dental practice and why it is important

Website and Digital Campaign of the Year

This award is presented to a dental practice that effectively uses its digital communication platforms to improve the patient experience and increase its communication to a wider community. The judges will be looking for…

Websites

  • The quality of website design and ease of use and navigation
  • How treatment options and pricing are displayed (are they clear and concise)
  • Compliance with GDC and ICO requirements, as well as with Health and Social Care Act 2008

Digital Campaigns

  • Examples of social media campaigns to the wider community
  • Improvement in patient registration since implementation

In addition, the entry must include:

  • Examples of testimonials and any reviews
  • Complaints procedure
  • Date it was last updated
  • Staff GDC numbers
  • Link to GDC website
  • Details of where qualifications have derived

Technical Excellence Award (Dental Technicians and Clinical Dental Technicians)

New for 2026, this award is open to individual Dental Technicians (DTs) and Clinical Dental Technicians (CDTs) registered with the GDC, who demonstrate outstanding clinical skill, technical skill, clinical integration, and adherence to UK best practice in the design, manufacture, and fitting of dental appliances.

  1. Integrated Technical & Clinical Mastery

DTs: Exceptional technical fabrication with a deep understanding of the referring clinicians’ requirements (e.g., occlusal schemes, implant systems).

CDTs: Evidence of skills in direct patient assessment, effective communication of treatment options, and accurate impression taking, leading to a high functional and aesthetic outcome for the patient.

  1. Innovation in UK Practice

Application of advanced techniques or digital dentistry (e.g., digital dentures, 3D scanning, complex fixed/removable workflows) that enhance function, aesthetics, and patient experience within the scope of UK practice.

In addition to the above evidence, the entry must include:

  1. Case Study: A patient case (or series of cases) demonstrating the full workflow from prescription/assessment to final fit. Please include diagnostic records, technical stages, and photographs in your entry.
  2. GDC Registration: The entrant’s GDC registration number(s) must be provided.
  3. Testimonials: A minimum of one testimonial from a UK-registered clinician or a testimonial from a patient .

Our publications

Discover our range of publications and stay updated on UK dentistry.

Learn more about our magazines
  • The Probe September 2024
  • Smile cover May/June 2024
  • British Dental Nurses Journal Magazine Cover