Dental teachers battle for crown

Some of the most talented and motivational educators in dentistry will battle it out for the titles of dentist, dental care professional (DCP) and vocational teacher of the year.

The Dental Defence Union (DDU), the specialist dental division of the MDU, today announced the 2009 finalists in each category:

Dentist Teacher of the Year
• Susan Hooper, Bristol Dental School
• George Aristidou, Kings College London Dental Institute

Vocational Teacher of the Year
• Michael Cooper, Oxford Dental Deanery
• John Evans, South West Deanery

DCP Teacher of the Year
• Nicky Bartholomew, University of Portsmouth School of Professionals Complementary to Dentistry
• Rosemarie Khan, the Greater Manchester School for Dental Care Professionals

Rupert Hoppenbrouwers, head of the DDU said: 'We are now in the seventh year of the DDU Educational Awards and once again we were delighted by the eagerness of dental students and vocational trainees to nominate their teachers.

'The awards enable the DDU to recognise and reward first class dental education and it is great to know that those who most benefit from inspirational teachers appreciate their enthusiasm and excellent communication skills.

'Clear communication is also a subject running through this year's awards event which is on the theme of Managing Complaints. In the DDU's experience, measured and appropriate communication can make the difference between resolving a complaint and even strengthening the dentist-patient relationship, or seeing the complaint escalate.

'In the afternoon, we will get a fascinating new perspective on this subject from a superb line-up of high profile speakers from the world of dentistry and beyond, such as a BBC journalist and the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.'

This year's awards will take place at Armourers' Hall, 81 Coleman Street, London.

Each finalist will be asked to give a presentation and answer questions from the judging panel and audience which will be judged across a number of criteria, including knowledge of the subject and the ability to motivate others.

All finalists will be awarded £250 each and the winners in each category will receive an additional £1,000 towards the cost of educational materials for their schools and VT scheme.

Dentsply is the main sponsor of the DDU Educational Awards, and the initiative is supported by the British Dental Association.