‘Hard to top’: Steve Wright recalls the night of celebrations, networking and fun at the 2024 Private Dentistry Awards.
In November last year, I had the pleasure of attending the Private Dentistry Awards with my fantastic colleagues at Kent Oral Care. As one of the most prestigious and respected dental awards ceremonies in the UK, we were anticipating a night full of celebrations, networking and fun – and it certainly did not disappoint.
The 2024 awards were outstanding and definitely a highlight of the year, with teams and individuals from across the UK and Ireland coming together to celebrate outstanding dentistry achievements. The talent in the room was remarkable and demonstrated the vibrancy and richness of the dental profession, with colleagues and peers celebrating what was a fantastic year for the industry and for many practices.
From practice principals to therapists, hygienists, practice managers, receptionists and dental nurses, every role was recognised and celebrated for its invaluable contribution to private dentistry.
Simply the best
Since their inception in 2001, the Private Dentistry Awards have been going from strength to strength and have earned a solid and well-deserved reputation as being one the best.
Over the years, the categories, judging panel and venues have expanded and the quality as well as quantity of entries has increased, testament to the exceptional service and skills by both individuals and teams within the private dental sector.
There was definitely a sense of progress last year, and the awards were the sleekest yet, professionally managed by FMC. The event brought the whole community together, allowing dental teams and personalities to be recognised for setting a gold standard for excellence.
Held at the glamorous JW Marriott Grosvenor House London in Mayfair, the room was buzzing with excitement, energy and positivity as the esteemed Dr David Houston chaired the event and revealed the 2024 winners independently judged by professionals in the field.
A particular highlight for me was seeing the winners of the Young Dentist category and the new talent that is making a mark on the industry and continuing to raise the bar when it comes to customer service and professionalism.
With seven worthy winners from across the UK and Ireland, it was great to see their passion and vibrancy for the profession as well as how proud they were to be awarded by the pinnacle of recognition in the UK. Congratulations to all the winners and highly commended – I look forward to seeing their careers develop and the positive impact they will undoubtedly bring to the industry.
Dentistry united
Last year was our second year as one of the sponsors of the event and, as a fairly new brand to the sector, we have been blown away by the professionalism, friendliness and positivity of the dental community.
The awards were a great way of bringing everyone together to celebrate the buoyancy of dentistry and provided some exceptional networking opportunities with new connections made and friendships formed.
It was great looking around the room and seeing the joy and excitement on faces as like-minded professionals mingled and discussed the successes and lessons of the year.
With many external pressures on our industry, it is more important than ever to unite and continue to build and thrive together. The awards gave me renewed confidence in the profession and what we can achieve together in 2025.
New, dynamic and exciting practices are opening all the time – as highlighted in the New Practice category – and innovations and developments are being made across the UK. The achievements by the winners in the Digital Practice category were truly phenomenal.
What was wonderful to see and hear though is the continued commitment to patient care and excellence. As a people-centred profession, we need to show empathy and prioritise the highest levels of customer service, as well as providing exceptional products that support and empower both patients and practitioners.
Building and enriching local communities across the UK and Ireland is also key and it was wonderful to learn about the practices that are best in class when it comes to patient care, supporting nervous patients as well as those that are actively progressing charity and community projects and offering child-friendly approaches.
Onwards and upwards
With 2025 in full swing, I feel positive about the future and am excited to see what the industry can achieve.
It will be hard to top the 2024 awards, but I have no doubt that they will be even better and bigger this year. Thanks so much to everyone that made the 2024 Private Dentistry Awards such a success and congratulations again to all the winners and highly commended.
Thanks must also go to the brilliant personalities on the Kent Oral Care table who made the evening so much fun.
The Private Dentistry Awards 2025 are coming… watch this space!
