Dental leaders named in New Year's Honours list

Key figures from across the UK dentistry and oral health fields have been singled out for recognition in the New Year’s Honours List.

Four leaders in the sector received gongs, including Professor Tara Renton (above), who was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

An internationally-recognised oral surgeon and academic, Renton is a Professor at Kings College London and a dental specialist in oral surgery with 40 years experience in complex cases. 

Her maxillofacial training and PhD in neuroscience in Trigeminal nerve injuries has established her an international lead in orofacial pain and prevention of Trigeminal post-traumatic neuropathic pain.

MBEs were also presented to Dr Catherine Taylor-Weetman, a consultant in dental public health for the Shropshire and Staffordshire Dental Local Professional Network; and Professor Christopher Tredwin, dean and director of the Institute of Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London, an honorary consultant of restorative dentistry at Barts Health NHS Trust, and, until recently, head of the Peninsula Dental School (PDS). 

While head of the PDS, Professor Tredwin (below) oversaw the development of a five-year dental programme, a fully-integrated dental hygiene and therapy degree programme, and three clinical master’s programmes.

His dedication to improving access to dental care, particularly for communities in North East London, has had a lasting impact on patients, students and the profession as a whole

On receiving the award, he said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this MBE.

“It is a recognition I share with everyone who has supported and walked with me on my journey in dentistry.”

Neil Ashman, chief executive of The Royal London Hospital, part of Barts Health NHS Trust, added: “I am delighted to congratulate Chris on this richly-deserved honour.

“His dedication to improving access to dental care, particularly for communities in North East London, has had a lasting impact on patients, students and the profession as a whole.

“We are incredibly proud to see his work recognised in the King’s New Year Honours.”

Dr Taylor-Weetman has tirelessly championing oral health improvement in Shropshire and Staffordshire for the past 25 years.

This honour is truly deserved and recognises not just years of service, but the impact of a career dedicated to improving oral health outcomes for those who need it most

A spokesman for the Healthy Smile Team at Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust said of the recognition: “Her leadership, commitment to tackling inequalities, and ability to turn ideas into action have made a lasting difference to communities and countless lives.

“This honour is truly deserved and recognises not just years of service, but the impact of a career dedicated to improving oral health outcomes for those who need it most.

“Thank you, Kate, for your inspiration, support, and your continued drive to make change happen.”

Finally, the only dental nurse to make the list this year was Elaine Olga Simmons, a tutor and internal quality assessor at The Academy of Dental Nursing.

She is now a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM), honoured for her services to dentistry and dental nursing as a tutor and assessor.

She has been a British Association of Dental Nursing (BADN) member for over 20 years and was previously a member of the BADN Council as regional co-ordinator for Wales.

Preetee Hylton, president of the BADN, said, “We are delighted that Elaine has been honoured in this way and that her contribution to dentistry as a dental nurse has been recognised.

“Elaine is one of only four dental honourees and the only dental nurse in the 2026 New Year list.”