Dentistry Top 50 2026 revealed

The wait is over. The Dentistry Top 50 2026 has arrived, celebrating the people whose work, leadership and ideas are helping to shape the future of UK dentistry.

Nineteen people join the Top 50 for the first time this year, alongside returning figures who continue to make their mark on the profession. The list spans every corner of dentistry, from clinicians transforming patient care and educators inspiring the next generation, to researchers advancing knowledge, campaigners driving change and leaders shaping national policy.

Compiled after weeks of nominations, discussion and deliberation, the list reflects the many different ways influence is earned in modern dentistry. Some names will be familiar, having featured in previous years and continued to build on that impact. Others have emerged through new ideas, fresh leadership or achievements that have caught the profession’s attention over the past 12 months.

There is no ranking involved. What unites everyone on this year’s list is a shared commitment to improving dentistry for colleagues, for patients and for the wider profession.

Recognising excellence

Putting the list together is never straightforward. Nominations arrived from across the profession, each one making the case for someone whose work deserved recognition. Narrowing hundreds of names down to 50 meant weighing achievements that are often impossible to compare directly.

A campaigner’s impact does not look like a researcher’s, and a practice leader’s contribution does not look like an educator’s. The final list is an attempt to recognise excellence in all its different forms.

This was my first time being part of the Top 50 selection process, and what struck me most was the care that went into every discussion. Every nomination represented someone making a genuine difference to the profession, which made every decision both rewarding and incredibly difficult. While not everyone could make the final 50, this year’s list reflects the breadth of talent, leadership and innovation that continues to shape the future of UK dentistry.

This year’s Top 50 is delivered in partnership with Denplan.

‘Having the opportunity to be part of the Dentistry Top 50 campaign has been a real privilege,’ said Matthew Nolan, head dental officer at Denplan, said:

‘Reading through this year’s list, I have been struck not only by the quality and breadth of talent across the profession, but by the commitment, energy and determination of so many individuals who are working to make a genuine difference. These are people who are challenging thinking, supporting colleagues, inspiring the next generation and helping to shape a thriving future for UK dentistry. Congratulations to everyone that made the list.’

Explore the Dentistry Top 50 2026 below, and discover the people whose work is helping to define the profession today.

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