National Award Win for Glasgow-based Dental Therapist

Jennifer Rae, a dental therapist with Clyde Munro at Diamond Dental Practice, was named the Undergraduate Winner in the New Communicator of the Year Awards 2025 following publication of one of her articles in Dental Health Journal, part of the BDJ portfolio of titles.

Jennifer’s article, ‘An insight into Childsmile – the preventive programme improving the oral health of children in Scotland’, was initially completed as part of her undergraduate coursework and was first published while she was in her final year studying Oral Health Sciences at the University of Edinburgh.

The presentation of the awards took place at the Royal Air Force Club in London, a prestigious ceremony which was followed by the BIDEWF annual dinner.

Jennifer developed her award-winning paper around an issue which she has grown to become deeply passionate about during her dental training – the emotional and social impact of dental inequality in children, particularly those living in Scotland’s most deprived communities.

Childsmile is a national programme funded by the Scottish Government, designed to improve the oral health of children in Scotland and reduce inequalities both in dental health and access to dental services.

Jennifer said: “Paediatric dentistry wasn’t an area I initially felt the most fluent in, but throughout my time with Clyde Munro, I’ve been surrounded by constant support to help build my confidence in this area. Through my research, I explored how inequalities between wealthier and less affluent areas can translate into dental neglect, higher rates of tooth decay, and significant economic and environmental impacts.

“Some children don’t have access to a toothbrush until they start school. Childsmile intervenes right from birth, providing toothbrushes, offering guidance to families, and delivering practical support in nurseries and schools. The programme genuinely makes a difference, reducing rates of dental decay and helping ensure that children in lower-income communities receive the same attention and care as those in more affluent areas.”

Jennifer’s path into dental therapy reflects the determination and compassion that underpin her award-winning research. Although she always hoped to become a dental therapist, she initially didn’t have the grades to pursue the course directly. Instead, she studied microbiology at Glasgow Caledonian University before training as a dental nurse at Coatbridge College. After working on placement at New Cross Dental Care in Hamilton and graduating in 2021, she realised she wanted to play a greater clinical role.

This led her to the University of Edinburgh’s Oral Health Sciences course, where she discovered the perfect blend of skills she had been searching for. “It’s a bit like a hybrid between a dentist and a hygienist,” Jennifer says. “Dental therapists have full scope in paediatrics, and we can also carry out adult fillings and gum treatments. Our scope doesn’t extend to root canals, crowns, bridges, or extractions – but the role allows you to make a huge impact on children’s oral health.”

Charlie Evans, head of clinical at Clyde Munro, said: “Jennifer’s award highlights the growing importance of tackling health inequalities at a national level and shines a spotlight on the dedicated professionals here at Clyde Munro who work every day to improve outcomes for children across Scotland. We’re very proud of Jennifer’s success and privileged to be supporting her continued career journey.”

Read Jennifer’s article, ‘An insight into Childsmile – the preventive programme improving the oral health of children in Scotland’, here.