The competition took place for the first time this year and was open to all third-year dental students in the UK and Ireland. The award recognises students’ ability to think beyond existing practices and technologies to envisage the future of dentistry. Entrants were required to submit up to 500 words describing their dental practice in the year 2020. They were judged their ability to demonstrate an innovative approach, their consideration of future changes in general dentistry and their understanding of how the introduction of new technologies will help deliver better patient care.

Cove was selected from 13 regional winners from universities around the UK and Ireland to win the overall National Award for Innovation, judged by an independent panel of leading dentistry experts. She received prize money of £300 in the preliminary round and a further £500 for the national award towards an elective programme or additional research project.

Professor Jonathan Sandy, Head of the School of Oral and Dental Sciences, said: ‘I am delighted that Laura has won the 3M ESPE prize and offer her my heartiest congratulations. As a School, we encourage our students to develop a wide range of transferable skills, and it is clear from her winning essay that Laura has particular strengths in the communication of dental science and technology to a non-specialist audience, as well as a vivid imagination!’