The Dental Awards - Categories

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 8^th February 2025, 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 8^th February 2025 may enter.

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