All smiles as dentist in finals

A Staffordshire dental practice has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards to find the cream of the crop nationwide.

Priors Dental Practice, in Pinfold Lane, Penkridge, has been entered into the 'best team' and 'best practice' categories of The Dentistry Awards 2007. It will hear its fate at the Dentistry Awards Ceremony on December 7 at the Athena Arena in Leicester.

Bosses at the practice are hoping it will be another successful year.

It already has the Midlands award for best new practice to its name after opening its doors to patients and customers in 2005.

Lindsey Edwards, practice manager, said: "Last year, we won the Midlands award for the best new practice.

"We are continuously improving our service and aim to provide excellence in dentistry."

The practice had to say why it deserved the special award.

And staff members will also have to back the entry up with pictures, marketing material and testimonials from customers.

The judging panel on the night will consist of top members of the profession including dentists, hygienists and practice managers.

Last year more than 600 people attended, making it the largest annual dentistry event ever in the UK. The Athena Arena, which hosts the awards is a giant Art-Deco cinema and conference centre.

During the night, the entries will be divided into nine regions across the country.

The winner from each group will be in with the chance of being named overall UK best.

When the practice celebrated its first anniversary last year young patients were invited to dress up as dentists.

The idea behind the day was to teach them about hygiene and teach them tricks of the trade.

The surgery was expanded and facilities upgraded two years ago at a cost of £500,000.

Improvements carried out as part of the work included extra treatment rooms, specialist services and extra staffing.

Staff have also visited local schools to spread the message about having healthy teeth. The visits are part of a community outreach programme.