AN Okehampton resident was all smiles after being nominated for a prestigious award for his work in the dental industry.

Edward Jones was ‘over-the-moon’ to have been nominated for ‘practice manager of the year’ — an award which recognises outstanding management in dentist practices across the UK.

Mr Jones, known to many as Edd, works as the business manager for Hartley Dental in Plymouth. He was left smiling from ear to ear when he discovered he had been nominated.

Mr Jones said: ‘I was nominated by the owner of the dentists I work at, Dr Charlie Fox, and was re-enforced by nine references from industry bodies, consultants and supp-liers.

‘I then went into a pool of possible nominees and was lucky enough to be selected as one of the nine actual nominations for the award.

‘Personally, this it is a really great feeling to know that I am deemed worthy of such a prestigious award and also pleasing that all my hard work over the previous two years is being recognised in such a way!

‘It’s not only a reflection on me, it is also a reflection on the great team I work with here at Hartley, who are always supportive, professional and empowering in their approach to their day to day job — making mine all the more enjoyable!

Mr Jones will be attending an award ceremony held at the luxurious Hilton Hotel in Birmingham, where he will find out whether he is crowned overall winner.

The awards ceremony is part of the annual Dentistry Show event which is being held this year at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on Saturday, May 12 and Friday, May 13.

The awards are a national celebration of dentistry with various accolades up for grabs, including practice manager of the year, dentist of the year, dental team of the year, dental nurse of the year and oral health promoter of the year.