The inaugural Dental Hygiene & Therapy awards took place last Friday (14 December) and were hailed a resounding success.
The stunning Vinopolis in central London played host to the 2012 awards that attracted entries from across the UK.
DH&Ts merged on England’s capital to an awards ceremony specifically created to celebrate the achievements and hard work of hygienists and therapists.
The role of dental hygienists and therapists continues to grow and the launch of these awards celebrated this.
The afternoon of celebrations included a sumptuous meal in a venue situated under the massive Victorian arches by the Thames at Bankside, Southwark.
Guests included president of the British Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy, Julie Rosse, president of the British Association of Dental Therapists, Bal Chana, Nigel Carter of the British Dental Health Foundation and chief dental officer Barry Cockcroft as well as other leading lights in oral health care.
To close the ceremony, an award for outstanding contribution to dental hygiene and therapy went to hygienist and therapist, tutor and ardent direct access campaigner, Sarah Murray,
Presenting the awards to Sarah, Margaret Ross, senior lecturer and programme director at the Edinburgh Postgraduate Dental Institute.
Announcing the prize, she told guests: ‘This award goes to a truly unsung hero, whose commitment has been instrumental in driving standards of education, increasing the profile of the profession and providing the framework for direct access. Working tirelessly behind the scenes to help others succeed, this lady has influenced the career outcomes of her students and colleagues alike. Supportive, precise and pragmatic, her counsel is often sought and always given generously. Her tenacity and determination has been admirable, and she has never been afraid to speak out in support of her profession. This award recognises someone who remains out of the limelight, but without whom our profession would be a less informed and respected member of the dental team.’
A big thank you goes to the judging panel and the sponsors, without whom the event could not have taken place.
Watch this space for details of the 2013 Dental Hygiene & Therapy awards.
2012 winners
Best Young Hygienist or Therapist
Kirstie Thwaites Homewood Dental Practice – Winner
Laura Brady Hafren House Dental Practice – Highly Commended
Best Preventive Practice
Fergus & Glover – Winner
All Saints Dental Clinic – Highly Commended
Best Marketing
Christina Chatfield Dental Health Spa – Winner
Ben Underwood Brush DJ – Highly Commended
Best Dental Innovation
Ben Underwood Brush DJ – Winner
Dominique Tillen Brush Baby – Highly Commended
Heart Your Smile Award
Melissa White Soar Valley Dental Practice – Winner
Gill Fenwick Identity Dental Care – Highly Commended
Best Hygienist or Therapist of the Year
Christina Chatfield Dental Health Spa – Winner
Flora Couper Cherrybank Dental Spa – Highly Commended
Outstanding Contribution to Dental Hygiene and Therapy
Sarah Murray