General Frequently Asked Questions
The Private Dentistry Awards celebrate over 25 years of excellence in the UK’s private dental sector. These awards recognise outstanding individuals, teams, and practices that are setting the benchmark in clinical care, patient experience, innovation, and practice leadership.
The awards are open to all private dental professionals across the UK. With 15 categories, we celebrate achievements from individuals, teams, and entire practices. Whether you’re a dentist, hygienist, nurse, or practice manager, there’s a category for you.
Just hit any ‘start your entry now’ button.
New for 2026, we’ve streamlined and standardised the entry process to make it easier than ever. Each category now has clear questions, guidance on uploads and required formats.
For detailed instructions on the entry process, required formats, and judging criteria, please refer to the entry guidelines here.
Entries open on 7th April 2026 and close on 18th June 2026.
No, entering the private dentistry awards is completely free.
There are 15 categories covering the entire dental team - from individual achievements to practice excellence. Each category recognises excellence in clinical work, patient care, innovation, and leadership.
Yes, you can start your entry now, save your progress and then log back into the portal to make amendments to your submission at any time before you finally submit. Please note that all entries need to be completed and submitted by the final entry deadline on Thursday 18 June 2026.
Entries are evaluated by an independent panel of 42 industry experts, chaired by Dr James Goolnik, ensuring that every submission is judged fairly and thoroughly.
Yes, the judging process is strictly confidential. Judges are bound by a non-disclosure agreement, and all information submitted in your entry is kept confidential.
Entries are judged based on a set of criteria outlined for each award category, you can find full details in the entry guide. The process is rigorous and involves multiple rounds of review to ensure fairness and accuracy. Judges’ decisions are final.
Shortlists for all categories will be announced in mid-September 2026.
The best way to find out is by attending the awards ceremony! This is a great opportunity to network with peers and celebrate the greatest achievements in private dentistry over the last 12 months. Our social media team will also share results online as they are announced at the event.
This year, finalists will receive official Private Dentistry Awards finalist logos, which can be used across email signatures, websites and marketing materials to proudly showcase your achievement. Certificates will not be issued.
The awards show will take place on Friday 20th November 2026 at Grosvenor House, London.
Yes, attendance at the ceremony requires a ticket or table booking. Full details, including ticket prices and table packages, will be displayed on the website.
As per our policy, cancellations must be received in writing (email) or by phone during office hours.
The following charges will apply:
More than 4 weeks prior to the event: 100% refund
Less than 4 weeks but more than 3 weeks: 90% refund
Less than 3 weeks but more than 2 weeks: 50% refund
Less than 2 weeks prior to the event: no refund
Substitutions may be made up to 72 hours prior to the event by notifying FMC in writing. Substitute attendees must comply with all event requirements.
For any event-related enquiries, including accessibility, entry requirements, or general questions, please contact our events team at: events@fmc.co.uk
For sponsorship enquiries, contact ivana.perkins@fmc.co.uk. Our team will work with you to create a tailored and impactful presence at the awards, connecting with the dental community through both digital channels and the live event.
Ceremony Frequently Asked Questions
Black tie and cocktail dresses - see the 2025 gallery for inspiration.
Tube
Grosvenor House is a 5 minute walk down Park Lane from Marble Arch tube station (central line).
Bond Street is a 10-15 minute walk (Central, Jubilee & Elizabeth line).
Hyde Park Corner is a 10-15 minute walk (Piccadilly line).
Taxi
You can get a taxi directly to the reception drop off zone.
In The Great Room, Grosvenor House, London.
To find the entrance to the Great Room, walk down Park Lane, past the reception, and you will see an overhead sign saying 'The Great Room'. Follow the stairs down and you will reach the drinks reception area.
Once you book your table/ticket, you have the option to provide names and dietary requirements immediately.
Alternatively, you can log back into your account, select Event - table bookings, and you will see your table/ticket there. Select the pencil button on the right hand side to edit, and you can enter your guest names and dietary requirements here. Click SAVE.
Friday 23rd October 2026.
No, your name will be checked on the door. You will get a digital invite ticket sent in your confirmation email after purchasing a table/ticket. You may send this to your guests for key information purposes.
No, the last date to purchase a ticket is Wednesday 18th November - subject to availability,
Tickets sell out fast, so head over here to secure your tables/tickets now.
Yes, please email awards@fmc.co.uk with details of the replacement including the name of the guest that can no longer attend, name of the new guest, and their dietary requirement.
If this happens less than 2 days before the event, we cannot guarantee the venue will be able to change the dietary requirement.
The best way to learn who the winner's are is to attend the ceremony! See the tables/tickets section of the website for more information.
If you cannot attend, the social media team will be posting live updates on the @dentistryshows Instagram page.
Absolutely! We’ll have a team of professional photographers and videographers capturing all the best moments throughout the night - from the red carpet and drinks reception to the awards, celebrations and dance floor!
You’ll be able to relive the highlights and share your favourite moments once the photos are made available shortly after the event.
You can book a room at Grosvenor House through the website here. However, for alternative hotels, please follow this link for competitive pricing nearby.
Yes, there is limited valet parking. You can book this through the hotel - subject to availability.
Further details can be found here - Grosvenor House Parking Information
Alternatively, there are some public car parks close by such as Q park.
No, the venue has a very strict no under 18's policy. Guests will have their ID's checked by security on the way into the venue. Anyone under the age of 18 will not be permitted into The Great Room.
Get ready for your moment in the spotlight! If you’re at the awards ceremony and your name is called, you and your team will head up to the stage to collect your trophy, celebrate the win and pose for your official winner’s photo.
Then it’s back to the celebrations. Enjoy the rest of the evening, raise a glass, and celebrate your well-deserved achievement with your team.
Your professional photographs from the evening will be made available shortly after the event, so you’ll have the perfect snaps to share your success far and wide.
If you cannot attend the evening, you will be contacted by a member of the events team shortly after.
Yes, you will be awarded this on the night if you are at the ceremony!
If you cannot attend, a member of the events team will get in touch to ask whether you would like to purchase the trophy.
When you arrive at the drinks reception, the table plan will be available for you to view.
You can also ask one of our lovely on-site events team if you're struggling to find your name!
Welcome drinks are provided during the drinks reception at 7:00pm.
During dinner and the ceremony, each attendee will have half a bottle of wine to enjoy.
Dependant on your ticket package you may also have Bubbles included.
Once those are finished, any additional drinks can be purchased from the bar.
Of course! This is your night - a chance to celebrate all the incredible hard work, achievements and dedication you put in every single day. So once the awards are over, the celebrations are only just getting started.
Throughout the evening, you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in our silent auction, with some fantastic prizes up for grabs.
Then, once the ceremony comes to a close, it’s time to let your hair down! Our DJ will take over and get the dance floor going, so grab your team, raise a glass and dance the night away until 1:30am✨
If you need assistance at any point during the evening, please alert a security guard or member of the hotel team, who will be happy to help.
Alternatively, look out for a member of the FMC team - we’ll be around throughout the evening and will always do our best to help with anything you need!