The Association of Dental Groups (ADG), in partnership with Chamber UK, yesterday welcomed nominees, judges and guests to the House of Lords to celebrate the announcement of the nominees for the Parliamentary Pathfinder Dentistry Awards 2026.
Hosted by Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate, the event brought together leaders from across dentistry, healthcare, academia and public policy to recognise and celebrate innovation across the profession. Opening proceedings, Neil Carmichael, Executive Chair of the ADG, highlighted the many ways in which dentistry across the UK is embracing innovation, from workforce planning and the adoption of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to enhanced collaboration with communities, policymakers and stakeholders. He reflected on the significant progress being made across the sector to deliver the highest standards of patient care and improve access, treatment and outcomes for patients.
Attendees then heard from members of the judging panel, who spoke about the critical role innovation plays in shaping the future of dentistry and improving outcomes for patients. Speakers included:
- Dr Jason Wong MBE, Chief Dental Officer for England
- Stefan Czerniawski, Executive Director, Strategy, General Dental Council (GDC)
- Dr Marzena Nieroda, Associate Professor in Marketing and Commercialisation in Healthcare, UCL Global Business School for Health, University College London (UCL)
Dr Wong delivered the keynote address, followed by contributions from Stefan Czerniawski and Dr Marzena Nieroda, who each reflected on the importance of fostering innovation across all areas of dentistry, from service delivery and workforce development to technology, regulation and patient-centred care. Deciding the winners, the judging panel is a line-up of five key stakeholders which will also include Jo Churchill, Former Minister for Primary Care and Public Health and Sian Jarvis CB, former Director General for Communications at the Department of Health
Neil Carmichael, Executive Chair of the ADG said: “NHS dentistry across the UK is on the rise and we should be very proud. The latest data show that patients are overwhelmingly happy with the service they receive from the profession. Up and down the country we see innovative approaches being used to improve access, care and treatment for dental patients. These awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and organisations driving that progress and demonstrate the extraordinary commitment across dentistry to delivering better outcomes for patients and communities.”
“It was lovely to see many of our members and colleagues at the nominations event for ADG’s Parliamentary Pathfinder Dentistry Awards yesterday in the House of Lords. The judges are now evaluating the submissions – and the winners will be revealed on 16th November at our Awards Ceremony. Please do sign up as soon as possible as places are limited. We look forward to celebrating innovation in dentistry with you all on the night.”
Awards Ceremony – 16th November 2026
The winners of the Parliamentary Pathfinder Dentistry Awards 2026 will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on 16 November 2026, where dental professionals, policymakers and sector leaders will come together to celebrate excellence and innovation across the profession.
