Figures from across dentistry and oral health have been recognised in the King’s 2026 New Year Honours, with titles going to individuals representing oral surgery, dental public health, dental education and dental nursing.
The most senior honour in dentistry this year goes to Professor Tara Renton, who is appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
An internationally recognised oral surgeon and academic, Professor Renton is widely known for her work on nerve injury, consent and risk reduction in oral surgery, alongside a long career in research and postgraduate education at King’s College London.
Prevention, training and safer dentistry
Two further recipients have been appointed MBE for their contributions to dentistry and oral health.
Dr Catherine Taylor-Weetman, a consultant in dental public health for the Shropshire and Staffordshire Dental Local Professional Network has been awarded an MBE. Dr Taylor-Weetman’s career has pushed forward prevention, oral health and commissioning within dental public health.
Professor Christopher Tredwin is dean and director of the Institute of Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London, and until recently was head of Peninsula Dental School. In addition to an impactful teaching career, Professor Tredwin has been instrumental in improving access to dental care, launching dental clinics in east London that hosted the announcement of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan in 2025.
Elaine Simmons, dental nurse tutor and internal quality assessor at the Academy of Dental Nursing is awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM). The only dental nurse in this year’s honours, Ms Simmons has previously served as regional coordinator for Wales on the council of the British Association of Dental Nursing (BADN).
Dentistry’s New Year honours
With four dentistry- and oral-health-related honours awarded in 2026, this year’s list sits broadly in line with recent trends.
A review of recent New Year Honours lists shows dentistry typically accounting for between two and four awards per year, with recognition most often reflecting leadership, education, public health and workforce contribution rather than volume clinical practice alone.
The full New Year Honours 2026 list is available on the UK government website.
Follow Dentistry.co.uk on Instagram to keep up with all the latest dental news and trends.
