Susan Hooper, a consultant senior lecturer in the University of Bristol’s Dental School, has been named dentist teacher of the year by the Dental Defence Union (DDU), beating off stiff competition from the most talented and motivated teachers at the thirteen other dental schools in the UK.
Nominated by dental students throughout the UK, the winners of the DDU educational awards have to show they are committed, enthusiastic, challenging and innovative; that they go the extra mile in challenging their students; and that they inspire and motivate their students through their teaching.
In order to make the grade, Ms Hooper had to give a 15-minute presentation and answer questions from the judging panel and audience, which were assessed using a number of criteria, including subject knowledge and the ability to motivate others.
Ms Hooper was awarded £250 for reaching the final and, as the category winner, received an additional £1,000 for educational materials. In a move that her colleagues said was typical of her generous nature, she gave the School £250 towards audiovisual equipment and put her own £250 behind the bar to thank the students for their support.
Commenting on her achievement, Ms Hooper said:
‘ I’m extremely honoured to receive this award and look forward to sharing it with my colleagues in Bristol as I am just one part of a team which has made this possible. I would like to thank the DDU, Dentsply and the BDA for promoting the work of dental teachers through this award.’Rupert Hoppenbrouwers, head of the DDU added:
‘This was one of the most difficult judging decisions so far and all the finalists’ presentations were compelling. Our congratulations to Susan and the other winners on their achievement. The educational awards are an important way for the DDU to support the work of exemplary teachers in dental schools, training schemes and deaneries.’This is the second year running that Bristol has won an award at this event. Last year Alison Grant was awarded the dental care professional teacher of the year award.
The quality of the School’s teaching was also recognised in this year’s National Student Survey when it achieved a 98 per cent satisfaction rating from students.
The Department of Oral and Dental Science is one of the top five in the UK and it recently completed a £15m expansion of its facilities to accommodate an additional 29 new dental students a year who, on graduation, will provide much-needed NHS dental treatment to an estimated 63,000 patients a year. To take a virtual tour of the new facilities, please click here.