The first ever Private Laboratory Awards ceremony was a resounding success – enjoyed by hundreds of guests who toasted the cream of the dental technology profession.
The glittering event, held at the prestigious Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington on 25 January, was a dazzling affair with a grand champagne reception, splendid three-course meal and an exhilarating ceremony.
Shortlisted laboratories, sponsors and guests revelled in the celebratory atmosphere, needing no invitation to hit the dancefloor in the lively post-awards party. As an inaugural event, the buoyant evening acted as a perfect springboard for the continued annual running of these awards well into the future.
A few of the winner’s reactions
Big winners were Hoil Dental Laboratory who scooped the ‘Best Dental Laboratory (less than 3 technicians)’ award as well as the ‘Overall Best Dental Laboratory’ title.
The lab, based in Devonshire Mews just off Harley Street in central London, was only set up by Hoil Choi in April 2011, with business partner Gumersindo Recarey joining that August, so it has been a quick rise to the top.
‘Winning two awards like this was completely unexpected,’ they told Private Laboratory magazine afterwards. ‘We’re delighted, it’s a big surprise and a really big boost as we’ve been working very hard.
Asked about the secret behind the success of the lab, which specialises in crown and bridge work and implant restorations, they said: ‘It’s just the two of us so we get to keep control of everything. We get referrals from Harley Street dentists and can concentrate fully on each job, giving it our full attention.’
‘Chuffed to pieces’
Dental Precision were other big winners, claiming the ‘Best Team’ award and being highly commended in the ‘Best Laboratory Website’ and ‘Best Dental Laboratory (more than 3 technicians)’ categories.
Managing director Martin Docking told us: ‘We’ve had a great night and we’re chuffed to pieces. ‘It’s a big boost to morale in the team – in these tough economic times it is important to recognise their commitment.
Michael Joseph, managing director of Biterite who were named ‘Best Dental Laboratory (more than 3 technicians)’ and were Highly Commended for ‘Most Innovative Laboratory’, said: ‘Entering the awards made us really look at what we are doing and who we are as a laboratory, and what we mean to our customers, how we regard ourselves in a professional light. I would definitely recommend any laboratory to enter.’
Outstanding Contribution to Dentistry
There was also a special ‘Outstanding Contribution to Dentistry’ award, given to an individual who has dedicated their career to excellence in laboratory work and made a considerable contribution to the dental technology sector.
This was awarded to David Smith, who started his career as a dental technician at Manchester Dental Hospital before becoming the laboratory manager of a commercial lab in the city. He now owns and runs his own laboratory, Phoenix Dental Castings, in Exeter.
He told Private Laboratory magazine: ‘It was a huge surprise to be given this award and it’s a privilege and an honour to be the first recipient of it.
‘I think the proudest thing about my career has been watching our industry become a profession. We’ve just got to the end of our first CPD cycle and every dental technician in the UK is now involved in the process as we head into the next cycle, which I’m very much looking forward to.’
He had earlier said in his acceptance speech: ‘Let’s make people appreciate what we do – and events like this are all about achieving that.’
Private Laboratory 2013 – the results
Best Team
Winner: Dental Precision
Highly Commended: Wired Orthodontics
Most Innovative Laboratory
Winner: Wired Orthodontics
Highly Commended: Biterite
Best Laboratory Website
Winner: S4S Laboratories
Highly Commended: Dental Precision
Best Dental Laboratory (less than 3 technicians)
Winner: Hoil Dental Laboratory
Highly Commended: Ceramtech
Best Dental Laboratory (more than 3 technicians)
Winner: Biterite
Highly Commended: Dental Precision
Overall Best Dental Laboratory
Winner: Hoil Dental Laboratory
Outstanding Contribution to Dentistry
David Smith
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