The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) is delighted to announce the winner of the 2026 Max Horsnell Travel Award: Lisa Clarke, Department of Child Dental Health, University Dental Hospital of Manchester, recognised for her clinical case report, Preserving a growing smile: A splinting challenge in the mixed dentition. Her work showcases a multidisciplinary solution to stabilising traumatised incisors in a young child with complex dental and medical needs.
Lisa’s submission details the management of a six-year-old boy who presented two weeks after severe extrusion. Working collaboratively with orthodontic colleagues, Lisa Clarke adopted an alternative stabilisation method: cementing orthodontic premolar bands to the existing preformed metal crowns and placing a sectional passive fixed appliance to secure the traumatised teeth. Orthodontic adhesive was applied to prevent occlusal contact. The appliance was removed after two weeks.
Long-term follow-up demonstrated continued root development and sustained vitality of the teeth over three years, despite the initially poor prognosis. The case highlights the value of multidisciplinary thinking and the use of orthodontic bands when conventional bonding is not possible.
Dr Oosh Devalia OBE, BSPD President, said: “Lisa’s submission is an excellent example of how paediatric dentists adapt and innovate when faced with complex trauma cases. Her work shows how collaborative problem-solving can preserve teeth that might otherwise have been lost. It is exactly the kind of thoughtful, child-centred clinical practice BSPD is proud to champion.”
BSPD established the Max Horsnell Travel Award, which is a bursary, to support BSPD members (excluding consultants and equivalent academic grades) who wish to present a poster or oral communication at scientific meetings of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry or the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry. Lisa Clarke’s winning submission reflects the Society’s commitment to encouraging innovation and improving outcomes for children across the UK.
