Applications are now open for the first ever Welsh Dental Awards, a new celebration recognising the exceptional contribution dental professionals make to the health and wellbeing of people across Wales.
Launched to shine a spotlight on excellence, innovation and compassion within the sector, the Welsh Dental Awards aim to honour the individuals and teams whose work often goes unseen, but plays a vital role in supporting communities every day.
The 2026 awards are being held Friday 8th May at the iconic Hilton Hotel Cardiff. The glittering black tie ceremony will be hosted by BBC Wales broadcaster Behnaz Akhgar.
The categories are as follows:
- Patient Experience of the Year
- Oral Health of the Year
- Compassionate Care of the Year
- Community Initiative of the Year
- Green Practice of the Year
- Digital Practice of the Year
- Practice Transformation of the Year
- Dental Nurse of the Year
- Dental Hygienist/Therapist of the Year
- Receptionist of the Year
- Treatment Coordinator of the Year
- Practice Manager of the Year
- Practice Principle of the Year
- Clinical Technician of the Year
- Rising Star of the Year (Under 33)
- Dentist of the Year
- Aesthetic Excellence of the Year
- Dental Team of the Year
- Welsh Practice of the Year
- Welsh Dental Awards – Champion 2026 (Drawn from the winners of the categories above)
Awards Co-founder Dr Zena Aseeley said:
“I’m incredibly proud to be a co-founder of the Welsh Dental Awards. As a dental surgeon I know the tremendous challenges dentistry in Wales faces. The Welsh dental sector contributes hugely to the health of our population and rightfully deserves to be celebrated for their great work.”
Wesley Skene of WS Marketing, awards co-founder says, “Being the founder of a number of awards, including the Welsh Law Awards and South Wales Business Awards, I’m acutely aware of the fantastic work that our industries across Wales do. The Welsh dental sector are the true unsung heroes, not only do they provide world leading care they are also major contributors to the Welsh economy.”
Welsh Dental Awards host BBC Wales’s Behnaz Akhgar commented, “I’m absolutely delighted to be hosting the very first Welsh Dental Awards. It’s a real honour to celebrate the talent, dedication, and innovation within Welsh dentistry and to recognise the people who make such a difference to patients and communities across Wales.”
The closing date for applications is Friday 27th March 2026, with nominations announced on Monday 13th April 2026. Full details of the awards and a downloadable application pack can be found at www.welshdentalawards.co.uk
