Oral health lecturer Sarah Murray has been honoured at the inaugural Dental Hygiene and Therapy Awards.

Sarah was awarded the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Dental Hygiene and Therapy Award. The evening proved a double success for the University as former student Kirsty Thwaites, who is currently a Clinical Educator who works with Oral Health students at Southend, also received the Best Young Hygienist/Therapist Award.

Presenting Sarah with her award, Margaret Ross, senior lecturer and programme director at the Edinburgh Postgraduate Dental Institute, said: “This award goes to a truly unsung hero, whose commitment has been instrumental in driving standards of education, increasing the profile of the profession and providing the framework for direct access.”

Pictured are Sarah Murray and Kirstie Thwaites receiving their awards with Chief Dental Officer of England Barry Cockcroft and placement provider Bob Davey.