A clinical dental technician has received the highest recognition when he was handed the award for Most Outstanding Team Member at this year’s National Dentistry Awards.

James Neilson, from Winning Smiles in Gillingham, was recognised as a key contributor and specialist in his work with edentulous patients.

James, pictured right, was one of the very first people in the UK to qualify as a Clinical Dental Technician and owner of Winning Smiles, Murray Hawkins, said: “James brings so much to the role in terms of attitude, commitment and skills.

“The training he has received both abroad and in the UK means we have someone who is a real expert in 21st century dentures and this award recognises the true worth of his profession and how it contributes to the services and care we offer patients.”

James lives in Weymouth, where he helped set up the Street Pastor scheme, and he is a keen runner, recently raising money for Multiple Sclerosis and the Dorset Air Ambulance and he has secured a place in the next London Marathon.

James said: “I was really delighted to receive the award and it means a lot as I was competing with a mix of dentists, hygienists and therapists, so it was a real surprise and rewarding to see my profession of Clinical Dental Technician recognised with a national dental award.”