Dentaid CEO and trustee among Dentistry Top 50 2026

Two figures involved with Dentaid The Dental Charity have been honoured with places in the prestigious Dentistry Top 50 for 2026.

Dentaid’s Chief Executive Officer Andy Evans and Fiona Ellwood, who is on our board of trustees, are among those recognised for their work in helping shape the future of the profession in the UK.

The magazine’s list, published annually, celebrates the exceptional talent and innovation found within the dental profession, with hundreds of nominations for figures ranging from clinicians transforming patient care and educators inspiring the next generation, to researchers advancing knowledge, campaigners driving change and leaders shaping national policy.

Andy has overseen a huge part of Dentaid’s continual growth and development since taking charge in 2014, particularly in the UK where tens of thousands of patients facing homelessness, harm, poverty and abuse have received life-changing access to dental care on board our nationwide fleet of mobile dental units.

One of the key factors mentioned in Andy’s nomination was his support for the strong partnership between Dentaid and NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight in helping to treat patients unable to access dental care through conventional routes. Residents who haven’t been able to access dental care and are exempt from NHS charges can now receive treatment and oral health advice on board mobile units based at foodbanks, community centres and other public buildings.

Fiona Ellwood BEM has spent more than four decades expanding how dental nurses contribute to education, policy and patient care. As executive director of the Society of British Dental Nurses, she gives dental nurses a voice in national discussions on workforce, regulation and safety; in 2025, she became the first dental nurse to be appointed Director of Dental Education, taking up an associate professorship at the University of Lincoln. From developing the first Welsh dental nursing qualification to contributing to Delivering Better Oral Health and the GDC’s Dental Leadership Network, Fiona has made education a route to greater recognition, progression and influence for the profession.With regards to Dentaid, Fiona joined our board of trustees in December 2018 and has previously served as a vice-chair of the charity.

Andy Evans said: “Being named among the Dentistry Top 50 for the second year in succession is a wonderful feeling and it is fantastic to see so many names familiar with Dentaid being featured on this hugely prestigious list.

“As we mark 30 years as a charity in 2026, it’s important for us to reflect on the reason why we do what we do. We are constantly growing and changing the way we plan and deliver our work, to ensure that the communities we serve – those facing the steepest challenges in accessing dental care – are not just seen and treated, but cared for in a way that helps them feel more confident in themselves.

“Thank you to Dentistry for recognising the importance of charity work in the dental profession and congratulations to all of those  who have been recognised. Thank you too to all of our staff and volunteers who work tirelessly on all that we do, both here and abroad.”

Fiona Ellwood said: “It is fantastic to be recognised in the Dentistry Top 50 for 2026.

“I am truly grateful but what matters to me the most is the impact that my work, influence and commiment has on others, whether it is through charitable work, education or wellbeing one of which can be done alone.”

This year’s list is delivered in partnership with Denplan, who work as project partners on Dentaid’s oral health education programme BrightBites.

Matthew Nolan, head dental officer at Denplan, said: “Having the opportunity to be part of the Dentistry Top 50 campaign has been a real privilege.

“Reading through this year’s list, I have been struck not only by the quality and breadth of talent across the profession, but by the commitment, energy and determination of so many individuals who are working to make a genuine difference. These are people who are challenging thinking, supporting colleagues, inspiring the next generation and helping to shape a thriving future for UK dentistry.

“Congratulations to everyone that made the list.”