British Dental Health Foundation president and board chair Dr Tony Newton bagged a ‘hat trick’ of awards in Durham last week as he received his doctorate in business administration (DBA) at a ceremony in Durham Cathedral.
After receiving his doctorate, he was called forward a second time to receive his postgraduate certificate in academic practice. Later in the day, in a separate ceremony at Durham University Business School, the newly minted Dr Newton was presented with the prize for ‘Best Doctoral Thesis for the Business School DBA Summer Congregation 2014.’
His research centres on what makes some people much more effective at networking than others, and whether training can have a lasting effect on improving those skills.
Dr Newton, appointed president in December 2013, now puts his combined dental, journalistic, corporate communications and management expertise at the Foundation’s service to build on its already pre-eminent position as a provider of high quality impartial oral health advice. Tony is also part of the RAF media team with 7644 (media ops) squadron.
Dr Newton said: ‘It took seven years part-time to complete the doctorate, so I was relieved just to pass the finishing post. The ‘Best Thesis’ award is the icing on the cake, but the real message is that you’re never too old to learn something new or make a contribution.’
Presenting the prize, PhD programme director Dr Mat Hughes said: ‘On behalf of the doctoral programme, I congratulate Tony on this fantastic achievement. Tony presented a very interesting DBA thesis of great practical relevance. We are delighted to see him graduate and at the same time win this prestigious award. It is well deserved!’
Chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, paid his tributes to Tony’s achievements. He said: ‘On behalf of everyone at the British Dental Health Foundation, I would like to congratulate Tony on his fantastic award.
‘Receiving a doctorate is a prestigious honour, so for Tony to receive three awards in quick succession is a wonderful achievement. Tony is a huge asset to the Foundation, and we all look forward to his continued contribution throughout his tenure and beyond.’
