Award categories & criteria

All nominees for this category must be 35 years old or over at the time of nominating.

The nomination must:

• Show how they deliver outstanding clinical care while using modern technologies (e.g. AI diagnostics, advanced imaging, 3D printing) to improve accuracy and patient outcomes.
• Demonstrate how they provide accessible, transparent and compassionate care including flexible options, clear communication and evidence‑based treatment tailored to today’s patient expectations.
• Show how they help build a collaborative, high‑performing team by supporting colleagues in adopting new tools and processes that improve the whole practice.
• Demonstrate ongoing development in emerging dental technologies and modern digital workflows to strengthen both clinical and operational excellence.
• Demonstrate, with examples, how they embody at least one of the People Values, We grow together, We respect each other, We achieve as one.

The entry could also include evidence of one recent clinical case and examples of patient feedback.

All nominees for this category must be under 35 years old at the time of nominating.

The nomination must:

• Show how they deliver outstanding clinical care using modern technologies (e.g. AI diagnostics, advanced imaging, 3D printing) and demonstrate strong clinical reasoning and ethical treatment planning.
• Demonstrate how they provide accessible, transparent and compassionate care, including flexible options, clear communication and evidence‑based treatment tailored to today’s patient expectations.
• Show how they help build a collaborative, high‑performing team, supporting colleagues in adopting new tools and processes, highlighting early‑career leadership, initiative, or positive influence on the wider practice.
• Demonstrate ongoing development in emerging dental technologies and modern digital workflows, showing a strong learning mindset and commitment to growth early in their career.
• Demonstrate, with examples, how they embody at least one of the People Values, We grow together, We respect each other, We achieve as one.

The nomination must:

• Demonstrate how they deliver exceptional patient experience with compassion, empathy and clear communication, including how they support and reassure patients throughout the orthodontic journey.
• Show how they consistently deliver high‑quality orthodontic treatment with excellent, measurable outcomes, highlighting examples of cases where treatment significantly improved oral function, aesthetics or patient confidence.
• Demonstrate how they enhance the patient journey by integrating modern orthodontic technologies (e.g., digital treatment planning, AI‑assisted screening, tele‑orthodontics), improving efficiency, accuracy and patient comfort.
• Show how they proactively engage in ongoing development in orthodontic techniques and digital workflows, including emerging innovations that advance clinical outcomes or operational excellence.
• Show how they demonstrate at least one of the People Values, We grow together, We respect each other, We achieve as one.

The entry could also include evidence of a recent clinical case (one case per nomination) and examples of patient feedback.

The nomination must:

• Demonstrate how they deliver a consistently high standard of clinical work within their scope of practice, using evidence‑based approaches that ensure safe, effective and high‑quality patient care.
• For Hygienists: Show how they deliver exceptional preventative and periodontal care by promoting oral health, providing high‑quality hygiene treatments and supporting patients in maintaining long‑term, personalised preventative routines.
• For Therapists: Demonstrate how they deliver outstanding clinical care across a wide range of restorative and preventative treatments, while educating patients and collaborating with the wider dental team to improve oral health outcomes.
• For Orthodontic Therapists: Show how they confidently and skilfully carry out orthodontic procedures under prescription, with excellent technical accuracy, patient awareness and adherence to clinical protocols.
• Demonstrate how they build trust with patients through clear, reassuring communication and personalised care, supporting patient confidence and promoting positive long‑term oral health behaviours.
• Show how they actively engage in ongoing professional development, including training in new clinical techniques, digital workflows or specialised skills that broaden or enhance their scope of practice.
• Show how they demonstrate at least one of the People Values, We grow together, We respect each other, We achieve as one.

The entry could also include evidence of a recent clinical case and examples of patient feedback.

The nomination must:

• Demonstrate how they work collaboratively with clinicians and colleagues across the practice to provide the highest levels of patient care, showing how their professionalism, communication and teamwork directly support safe and effective treatment.
• Show how they maintain exceptional standards of infection prevention and control, including adherence to clinical protocols, safe decontamination processes and consistent application of standard infection control precautions.
• Demonstrate how they provide outstanding chairside support, anticipating the clinician’s needs, preparing and organising equipment and materials, monitoring patients during procedures and ensuring treatments run smoothly, safely and efficiently.
• Show how they proactively engage in ongoing professional development, including training in new clinical techniques, digital workflows, record‑keeping systems or expanding their competence in line with GDC expectations.
• Demonstrate, with examples, how they embody at least one of the People Values, We grow together, We respect each other, We achieve as one.

The nomination must:

• Demonstrate how they manage appointments, patient records and administrative tasks with accuracy and efficiency, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and supporting seamless patient flow.
• Show how they deliver a friendly, welcoming and professional first impression, both in person and over the phone, helping patients feel valued and supported from the moment they contact the practice.
• Demonstrate how they work seamlessly with the wider practice team, coordinating communication between departments to support timely appointments, patient preparation and a smooth clinical workflow.
• Show how they handle patient enquiries confidently and support patient understanding, answering questions clearly, addressing concerns and helping to create a positive overall experience.
• Demonstrate, with examples, how they embody at least one of the People Values, We grow together, We respect each other, We achieve as one.

The entry could also include relevant testimonials and supporting evidence.

The nomination must:

• Demonstrate how they build strong relationships with patients through clear and empathetic communication, providing personalised support that helps patients feel informed and confident throughout their treatment journey.
• Show how they proactively bring ideas and improvements that enhance the patient journey, streamline practice processes or contribute to overall practice growth.
• Demonstrate how they drive treatment uptake by clearly explaining clinical options, answering questions confidently, supporting informed decision making and presenting financial arrangements in a way patients can easily understand.
• Show how they actively engage in ongoing training, developing their skills in communication, treatment planning, financial discussions, digital tools or workflow management to better support patients and the clinical team.
• Demonstrate, with examples, how they embody at least one of the People Values, We grow together, We respect each other, We achieve as one.

 

The entry could also include evidence of a recent clinical case (one case per nomination) and examples of patient feedback.

The nomination must:

• Demonstrate how the team consistently prioritises patient needs, providing a positive, efficient, supportive and compassionate experience throughout the entire patient journey.
• Show how the team maintains a supportive, inclusive and motivated work environment where communication is open, team members feel valued and the culture promotes shared responsibility and mutual respect.
• Demonstrate how the team works together to achieve positive results in patient satisfaction, practice performance and service delivery, highlighting examples of collaborative problem solving, role clarity or process improvements.
• Show how the team embodies at least one of the People Values, We grow together, We respect each other, We achieve as one, demonstrating unity, trust and commitment to collective success.

The entry could also include relevant testimonials and supporting evidence.

The nomination must:

• Demonstrate how they lead by example, motivating and supporting the team to achieve their best while creating a positive and collaborative work environment where expectations and responsibilities are clear.
• Show how they communicate clearly and effectively with the entire team, ensuring smooth day‑to‑day operations, aligned priorities and consistent understanding of goals, processes and expectations.
• Demonstrate how they maintain high standards of compliance, ensuring all regulations, policies and procedures are followed so the practice operates safely, legally and ethically.
• Show how they encourage ongoing learning, training and career development, creating opportunities for team members to grow, gain confidence and expand their skills.
• Demonstrate, with examples, how they embody at least one of the People Values, We grow together, We respect each other, We achieve as one, contributing to a positive workplace culture and a united, high‑performing team.

The nomination must:

• Demonstrate how they stand out as a member of the supporting field team, providing reliable guidance, practical solutions and consistent support to the practices they visit while upholding professional standards.
• Show how their leadership makes a meaningful difference to the teams they support, including how they influence positive outcomes, strengthen collaboration and help practices achieve shared goals.
• Demonstrate how they contribute to the development and growth of themselves and the teams they support, through coaching, problem solving and sharing best practice that strengthens operational performance.
• Show how they actively invest in their own learning and development, adapting to evolving operational demands and improving their ability to support practices effectively.
• Demonstrate, with examples, how they embody at least one of the People Values, We grow together, We respect each other, We achieve as one.

The nomination must:

• Demonstrate how this team stands out from other Support Centre teams, showing exceptional reliability, problem solving and the ability to provide meaningful support that strengthens practice and organisational performance.
• Show how they work effectively with practices, field teams and other departments, delivering practical solutions, consistent guidance and collaborative support that helps teams operate smoothly and achieve shared goals.
• Demonstrate how they provide a friendly, professional and responsive service, using clear communication and a willingness to help, even under pressure, to create positive and productive relationships across the organisation.
• Show how they embody at least one of the People Values, We grow together, We respect each other, We achieve as one.

The entry could also include relevant testimonials and supporting evidence.

The nomination must:

• Demonstrate how they stand out as a member of the Support Centre team, showing the difference they have made within their team, for the practices and people they support or for mydentist through their professionalism and impact.
• Show how they provide helpful and reliable support to colleagues, consistently going the extra mile, solving problems proactively and contributing to smooth and efficient operations across the business.
• Demonstrate how they communicate clearly and work collaboratively with others, building positive relationships, supporting cross‑department teamwork and helping colleagues feel valued and supported even during busy or pressured periods.
• Show how they embody at least one of the People Values, We grow together, We respect each other, We achieve as one.

The entry could also include relevant testimonials and supporting evidence.

The nomination must:

• Demonstrate how they stand out as a mentor, offering guidance, perspective and dependable support that helps others navigate challenges and grow in confidence.
• Show how they actively support and guide their mentees in a way that builds their skills and confidence, sharing knowledge, encouraging reflection and providing practical advice that strengthens clinical or professional capability.
• Demonstrate how they create a supportive and trusted mentoring relationship, offering encouragement, fostering resilience and helping mentees develop clarity, self-awareness and long‑term career direction.
• Show how they contribute to professional development and growth, helping mentees enhance skills, explore opportunities and progress within the dental field.
• Demonstrate, with examples, how they embody at least one of the People Values, We grow together, We respect each other, We achieve as one.

Nominees must be qualified mentors (clinical or non‑clinical) who have completed recognised mentor training. Informal or unqualified mentors are not eligible for this category.