With awards season approaching, Jimmey Palahey shares his insights on what a dental awards judge is really looking for in submissions.
As the deadline for the Dental Industry Awards 2025 approaches, top of mind for many business leaders prepping their entries is: ‘What is a judge really looking for?’
If only we could see into the mind of those experts selected to review entries, and ask what makes an entry ‘pop’ for them. What are the elements most likely to impress?
We caught up with Dr Jimmey Palahey, co-founder of the Treeline Dental Care group based in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire who is an experienced awards judge. Jimmey has previously sat on the panel for the Dentistry Awards on behalf of FMC, and reviewed award entries within his role at Health Education England judging foundation dentist submissions.
What is an awards judge looking for?
Our first question to Jimmey cut straight to the heart of the issue, as we asked him what he is specifically looking for when judging awards and what makes for a winning submission.
Jimmey said: ‘I always look for entries that are well paced and tell a continuous story from start to finish. The content of a submission is of course very important, but the format also is crucial. Entrants should consider that most judges will be seeing a significant number of entries.
‘My advice would be to make the read-through as pleasurable as possible. Remember the judge is the “audience” of your submission – so entertain them. Even in a corporate or professional context there is room for a narrative and clever storytelling. Bring scenarios to life, ensure pace and highlights – and show your passion.’
Preparing to submit
We then asked Jimmey to expand on the topic of ‘format’, asking how influencial this is in taking a judge on your business’ journey as you present your awards case. What format does Jimmey think looks best and is easiest to judge – and does he have any useful tips for teams preparing to submit?
Jimmey said: ‘Be creative. Consider utilising multimedia options such as an interactive PDF to make your entry easy to read, and make the links, videos and attachments easy to click and view. I would urge entrants to avoid multiple uploads. A busy judge with a pile of submissions to go through does not want to be coming in an out of the overall application form to find and access videos or images.
‘Make it easy and smooth for the judge! Entries should be well-structured, clear, and present supporting materials effectively.’
What stands out to a judge?
Then moving on to the content, we challenged Jimmey on the elements that makes a submission stand out.
Jimmey said: ‘I want to see that the person behind the entry really cares about the work they are submitting. We are looking for passion combined with accuracy and excellence. We need to see innovation and quality.
Be mindful that your entry aligns well with the award’s criteria – and I want to see originality and a tangible impact. That impact can be on a macro and/or a micro level – and this is where a compelling narrative can bring an entry to life. Of course we are also keen to see demonstrations of how dental industry work can have a positive and sustainable impact on the environment and communities.’
We were curious to understand from Jimmey what he specifically believes he has been able to bring to the table when judging awards.
Jimmey said: ‘I think what is called for when looking at submissions is having a judge who has a wide range of experience in clinical practice, clinical teaching and as well as having a good understanding of the business of dentistry. I am a clinical dentist, of course, but I also have experience of growing a business, delivering for patients and leading teams. I believe this allows me to see the bigger picture.’
What makes a quality submission?
When asked about his views on the quality of the submissions he has reviewed over the years, Jimmey said: ‘I have definitely seen an increase in the number of submissions over the last few years. This increase has resulted in improvements in both the quality and quantity of the submissions.
‘When it comes to improvements in the quality, I think this reflects the increased usage of multi-media applications that help to bring a story to life. I have been impressed by the video content submitted, which has included drone shots and professional quality images. This means that my job is only getting better!’
We finished by asking Jimmey what is next in store for him with judging. Jimmey said that he is currently looking forward to continuing to judge stand out practices coupled with innovative ways of working. So bearing all of this in mind, it’s time to finesse your award entries now. Good luck!
Discover more about Treeline Dental here.
This article is sponsored by Treeline Dental.
