Patient Nomination Puts Perth Dentist in the Spotlight

Amanda Bassey-Duke, Associate Dentist at Dental Care Perth, has been shortlisted in the Healthcare category at the Female Founder Scotland Awards 2026, recognition she says is especially meaningful because the nomination came directly from someone she treats.

Amanda is one of just two dentists shortlisted in her category, something she describes as a proud moment, not only for herself, but for the profession of dentistry to get the recognition it deserves for public healthcare, professional standards and patient care.

Amanda said, “What makes this so special is that it came from a patient. Awards are wonderful, but when someone you care for takes the time to nominate you, that’s something completely different. It reminds you why you do the job in the first place.”

Amanda splits her work between NHS patients and private care, with a strong focus on improving access for children to a local dentist. As part of this focus, Amanda has introduced an open-access approach for young patients, works with families to actively remove barriers to care for under-12s and regularly visits local schools to promote oral health, often in her own time.

“I’ve always believed that early intervention is key,” she said. “If we can educate children and make dentistry accessible from a young age, we set them up for better long-term health.”

Alongside her NHS work, Amanda has pursued four postgraduate qualifications and developed a special interest in orthodontics and restorative aesthetic dentistry, working on cosmetic dentistry and alignment cases across Tayside. She is also part of a wider push towards digital innovation in dentistry and leads the charge at Clyde Munro to implement AI technologies that help to improve diagnosis, communication and patient outcomes.

“The technology available now is incredible,” she said. “From digital scanners to AI-assisted diagnostics, we can show patients their oral health in ways we never could before. It helps them understand their treatment and take ownership of it, and ultimately leads to better results.”

Originally drawn to dentistry through a passion for science and patient interaction, Amanda says the relationships she builds are what make the profession so rewarding. “You see patients every three to six months, you get to know their lives, their families, their milestones. That continuity is really special. You feel like you’re part of their journey.”

Having lived in Scotland for five years and in Perth for over three, Amanda says the local community has played a big role in her career and her nomination. “There’s such a warmth here. You feel part of something. I think that sense of community is why this nomination happened, I’m proud to represent that.”

Jim Hall, Founder and CEO of Clyde Munro, said: “Amanda’s recognition is richly deserved. Her commitment to her patients, her passion for delivering the highest standards of care and her genuine involvement in the local community are exactly what we strive to champion across Clyde Munro.

“She consistently goes above and beyond, whether that’s supporting children’s access to dentistry, embracing innovation or building lasting relationships with her patients. We’re incredibly proud to have her as part of our team and wish her the best of luck for the Female Founder Awards.”

The Female Founder Scotland Awards celebrate the achievements of women across a range of industries, highlighting innovation, leadership and impact. Voting is open until 25 May, and the winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony in Glasgow in June this year.