The 2024 Laboratory Leading 20 revealed!

Celebrating influence, skill and impact in dental technology – welcome to the 2024 Laboratory Leading 20.

Back for its second year, we are delighted to share the Laboratory Leading 20 for 2024 – a list that celebrates skill, influence and dedication in the UK dental laboratory sector.

This initiative shines a spotlight on the exceptional work that is being done in dental technology, as well as its impact on the wider profession.

Laboratory Leading 20 is our way of recognising the extraordinary individuals who are driving the future of dental labs and setting new standards.

These are the people who are raising the bar, inspiring others and leaving the lab community in a better place for future generations.

Curating this list from the pool of talented nominations was no easy task. Each name reflects hours of discussion and careful consideration by our team. And just like last year, there is no single metric for making the cut. This list represents an assortment of accomplishments, skill and influence – there is more than one way to measure success.

While not everyone will agree with the entire list, let us assure you that no name on here was chosen lightly.

Shaping the future

Lucy Veal, editor of Laboratory, said: ‘Welcome to this year’s Laboratory Leading 20!

‘We are so excited to be releasing this list following its successful launch last year. This list celebrates the inspiring individuals who are making a positive impact on the profession, pushing the boundaries with their technical skills, and shaping the future of UK dental technology.

‘For me, one of the main takeaways from this initiative has been seeing how eager the community has been to uplift and celebrate each other.

‘It is a true reflection of how enthusiastic and supportive UK dental technology is – and that’s what Laboratory Leading 20 is all about.

‘And with all the challenges currently facing dental laboratories, celebrating these achievements is more important than ever.

‘I hope you will join us in recognising these outstanding individuals – congratulations to those who made it, and thank you to all who sent in nominations.’

Have a look at 2023’s Laboratory Leading 20 here.

Laboratory Leading 20 B-E

Deepa Bharakhda – Dental technician and mentor, uplifting the community through the sharing of knowledge
Beth Brown – Dental technician and educator improving standards in technical work through accessible training
Ashley Byrne – Pioneering lab owner and thought leader pursuing the agenda for sector modernisation
Steve Campbell – Past-president of the Dental Laboratories Association and influential figure in the community
Richard Egan – Leader, mentor and trainer on BPS dentures, passionate about sharing knowledge

Laboratory Leading 20 F-J

Nina Frketin – Dental technician championing female technicians through the Nightshift initiative
Julia Glancey – Dental technician devoted to improving the standards of dental team communication
Chris Golze – Trendsetting mouthguard specialist and outspoken voice in the lab community
Rob Handley – CDTA UK policies advisor, championing scope of practice expansion for CDTs
Andrea Johnson – CEO and chair of Den-Tech, a charity helping to provide treatment to vulnerable people

Laboratory Leading 20 L-R

Tom Lavery – Chief executive officer of fast-growing laboratory chain ALS
Caroline Persaud – Pioneering CGDent faculty member championing dental care and denture provision for elderly patients
Emily Pittard – Outspoken advocate for change as education associate for the GDC and CGDent board member
Kash Qureshi – Champion of CDTs, helping to enhance the reputation of dental technology in the wider profession
Phil Reddington – Well regarded international lecturer and keen advocate of digitisation in laboratories

Laboratory Leading 20 S-W

Bill Sharpling – Associate dean (CPD) at King's College London and director of Londec
David Smith – Past GDC council member and DLA chair working to build new educational pathways into the profession
Phillip Wears – Lab owner committed to promoting sustainability in dental technology
Lola Welch – Key opinion leader for multiple brands championing aesthetic and technical excellence
Eboni-Rose Williams – Young dental technician dedicated to enhancing student learning

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