New for 2026…
For decades, the bench has been the engine room of British dentistry. While the clinical team often receives the direct applause of the patient, the intricate artistry and scientific precision occurring in laboratories across the UK are what make life-changing smiles possible.
As we move into 2026, The Dental Awards is proud to evolve alongside the profession. We are thrilled to announce the launch of our newest category: The Technical Excellence Award. In association with the Clinical Dental Technicians Association (CDTA) and British Association of Clinical Dental Technology (BACDT), and specifically designed for GDC-registered Dental Technicians (DTs) and Clinical Dental Technicians (CDTs), this award is more than just a trophy for the mantelpiece – it is a gold standard recognition of those who are mastering the intersection of clinical integration and technical mastery.
The landscape of dentistry in the UK is changing. The rise of the Clinical Dental Technician has shifted the way patients access removable prosthetics, while the digital revolution has transformed the humble dental lab into a hub of high-tech innovation.
We recognise that a great appliance isn’t just about “making a tooth”; it’s about understanding occlusal schemes, navigating complex implant systems, and adhering to the rigorous best practice standards that keep our patients safe.
The Technical Excellence Award has been created to celebrate those who don’t just follow a prescription but enhance the entire clinical outcome through their expertise.
Two paths to excellence
This category is unique because it respects the distinct, yet overlapping, roles of the DT and the CDT. This is what our esteemed panel of judges are looking for:
- Integrated technical and clinical mastery
Excellence looks different depending on your scope of practice, and our judging panel is looking for evidence of deep, functional understanding:
- For Dental Technicians: The judges are looking for “The Clinician’s Partner”. You must demonstrate an exceptional ability to interpret and execute complex prescriptions. Whether it’s a full-arch implant-retained bridge or a delicate ceramic restoration, the judges want to see how your technical fabrication respects the referring clinician’s requirements and the patient’s biological needs.
- For Clinical Dental Technicians: Judges want to see the direct impact. As you manage the patient journey from assessment to fit, they are looking for evidence of your communication skills, the accuracy of your direct impressions, and how your clinical assessment leads to superior functional and aesthetic results.
- Innovation in practice
We aren’t just looking for traditional skill; we are looking for the future. The 2026 Technical Excellence Award puts a spotlight on those embracing advanced techniques and digital dentistry. Are you a pioneer in digital dentures? Have you integrated 3D scanning into a seamless workflow for complex fixed/removable cases? The judges would like to see how you are using technology to enhance the patient experience, improve fit accuracy, and streamline the workflow within the scope of UK practice.
The anatomy of a winning entry
Winning a Dental Award requires more than a few nice photos. To ensure a fair and rigorous judging process, all entrants must provide:
- A comprehensive case study: This is the heart of your entry. We need to see a patient case (or a series of cases) that demonstrates the full, start-to-finish journey. From the initial prescription or assessment through to the final fit, your entry should include diagnostic records, technical stages of manufacture, and high-quality clinical photographs.
- GDC integrity: This award is a mark of professional standing. All entrants must provide their GDC registration number(s) to confirm they are operating within the UK’s regulatory framework.
- The power of the testimonial: Excellence is best described by those who experience it. Your entry must include at least one testimonial. This could be from a UK-registered clinician who relies on your lab work, or a patient whose quality of life has been transformed by your care.
Why you should enter
The Dental Awards are the original, longest running, and most prestigious awards programme of the UK dental profession. Being a finalist or a winner in the Technical Excellence category sends a powerful message to your referring dentists and your patients. It proves that you are committed to the highest standards of UK dentistry and that your work stands up to the scrutiny of the industry’s most respected experts.
It is also an incredible boost for lab morale. In an era where recruitment and retention are challenges, being a Dental Award-winning laboratory sets you apart as a leader in the field.
Step into the spotlight
The unseen work of the technician is hidden no more. Whether you are an individual DT pushing the boundaries of ceramic layering or a CDT providing bespoke denture care on the High Street, we want to see your work.
Entries for the 2026 Technical Excellence Award are now open. Don’t let your best work go unrecognised. Gather your case studies, talk to your referring dentists, and show the UK dental community what true technical excellence looks like.
Enter at the-probe.co.uk/awards, completing your entry by 28th February.
Entry fee: £60 per entry.
Should you wish to apply for more than one category, please complete this form, and when you have submitted you will offered the option to ‘Apply for another category’, please click on this link and complete the form again.
2026 marks the 28th year for The Dental Awards, presented by The Probe, which celebrates the very best of British dentistry.
As the original and most respected awards programme in UK dentistry, The Probe’s Dental Awards are judged by a panel of leading practitioners and KOLs, providing an unrivalled opportunity for practices and DCPs to shine a spotlight on the vast skill and talent that exist within their teams.
