A DENTIST from Tavistock received a shock last week when he was presented with an award he did not know he was even up for!
Dr John Patrick McVeigh from the Abbey Mead Dental Practice and Implant Centre, Tavistock, was up for the Dentist of the Year South award 2009 against five other dentists from London and Hertfordshire, but on the night he was presented with a much higher accolade.
Paddy, as he is affectionally known by family and friends, was given the 'People's Award for Patient Care' after a unanimous vote, mainly due to a testimonial from a patient who had praised Dr McVeigh's work after he was involved in a helicopter collision in the United States which caused the partial destruction of eleven teeth.
Anthony Clarke, who lives in Poole, said: 'I had a personal recommendation to Dr McVeigh and from the initial meeting I was reassured by his professionalism.
'He was incredibly supportive and explained each process in a manner that was easy to understand and allowed me to make informed choices about my treatment. His time and dedication have proven invaluable — the crowns and subsequent treatment have ensured that my teeth now are restored to a level where I have regained my self-esteem and feel confident when eating.'
Mr Clarke said he thought the 250-mile round trip was worth it to have access to such a 'high calibre dentist'.
Dental practices and their teams across the UK celebrated the best in the profession at the eleventh Dental Awards, which was hosted by broadcaster Gyles Brandreth.
Dr McVeigh attended the ceremony in London with four of his staff and his wife Dr Ann Cummins, who is also a dentist.
Dr McVeigh said: 'I am delighted my team and I have won. I am proud that all our hard work and training has been recognised, particularly for making a real difference to people's lives.'
Dr Cummins said: 'At Abbey Mead we all strive to ensure we deliver the finest levels of treatment and customer care. It is fantastic to have it confirmed that we are one of the best dental practices in the UK
'We were surprised because we did not even realise that we were in the running for this award as Paddy had been shortlisted for Dentist of the Year.'