Just back from The Private Dentistry Awards

Where my biggest thrill was the announcement that Ollie and Darsh had been voted “most attractive practice”.

The team have worked so hard this last year and I admit to having a wee tear in my eye as they climbed on to that stage and as my friend Daz Singh said a few words of thanks.

Having attended such functions for some time now, I think that when the full list of winners is announced/published, there will be some raised eyebrows.

There was a clear indication that the judges have rewarded not just innovation but especially those practices that seem to have torn up the rule book and reinvented themselves and the way that dentistry is delivered.

The choice of Bob Khanna as ‘dentist of the year’ will be received with probably the same mixed feelings as one of my own presentations.

“Dr Bob” is just like me – the feedback sheets need only have two boxes – “love” and “hate” – but whichever choice you make, you cannot deny that we both shake things up.

I have nothing but admiration for his drive, his enthusiasm, his ability to innovate and to build on his own unique abilities.

Bob’s “victory” and his Elvis-like ascension to the stage were certainly discussed at the after-dinner drinks party with as much gusto as the unconfirmed “breaking news” that James Hull had been sacked from his own company the previous Wednesday.

We live in changing times.

Congratulations not just to all the winners but to every practice short-listed – and to FMC for a brilliantly managed event – now my personal favourite of the year.