Dr Fiona Sandom has been appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025. The prestigious award recognises her exceptional contributions to dental therapy and the National Health Service (NHS) in Wales.
Dr Sandom’s distinguished career includes significant roles within the British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT), where she served as both President and Chair. Her leadership was pivotal in advancing the role and recognition of dental therapists throughout the United Kingdom. Her dedication to education, policy development, and clinical excellence has left a profound mark on the profession.
Currently, Dr Sandom holds positions as the Dental Professional Support Unit (DPSU) Lead and North Wales Regional Lead for Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW). She completed her PhD at Bangor University in 2023, where she was also instrumental in establishing the dental hygiene programme.
A testament to her unwavering commitment, Dr Sandom dedicated over 11 years, much of it in her own time, to the prescription-only medicine exemptions project. Her tireless efforts culminated in a crucial legislative change that granted dental therapists and hygienists full clinical autonomy, significantly expanding their scope of practice.
Kirstie Moons, Postgraduate Dental Dean at HEIW, expressed her delight, stating, “We are delighted that Fiona has been given this well-deserved award; her work has and will continue to impact the dental profession in Wales positively for many years to come.”
Dr Sandom’s academic and clinical achievements continue to inspire dental professionals across the nation, solidifying her legacy as a transformative figure in the field of dental therapy.
