James Goolnik, the new chair of the Private Dentistry Awards, discusses his vision for the awards, judging insights and advice for entrants.
The Private Dentistry Awards are set for an exciting new chapter as James Goolnik of Optimal Dental Health takes on the role of chair for 2025. In conversation with Leanna Ellis, FMC events director, James shared his enthusiasm for the role and offered valuable advice for those looking to enter the awards.
‘I’ve watched David Houston on the stage for 20 years,’ James said. ‘He’s done an amazing job, and it’s such a credible award system. Every year, the competition gets better and better.’
‘It’s an honour to step into this role and build on the incredible work of my predecessors,’ he added. ‘I want to ensure that these awards continue to celebrate the very best in private dentistry.’ His passion for the field, combined with his dedication to high standards, makes him a fitting choice to lead the awards forward.
The 2025 Private Dentistry Awards are open for registration! That means it’s time to start preparing your entries ahead of the entry deadline on Friday 12 September. Click here to register now and you will be notified when entry opens.
With seven years of experience as a judge, James has witnessed the evolution of entries, from simple written submissions to detailed digital presentations. ‘Young dentists today are achieving more in two or three years than I did in twenty,’ he noted, highlighting the increasing standard of excellence in the profession.
The Private Dentistry Awards serve as a benchmark for the profession, inspiring dental professionals to improve patient care, invest in technology and give back to their communities. ‘It’s all about raising the bar – whether it’s through better patient journeys, advanced technology or community outreach,’ James said. ‘We’re seeing more video entries, more patient testimonials and a greater focus on what really matters in dentistry.’
James’ tips for entering
For those considering entering the awards, James emphasised several key points:
- Follow the criteria carefully – it’s crucial to read and adhere to the guidelines to ensure a strong submission
- Keep submissions well-organised – a single, well-structured document makes the judging process much more effective
- Provide recent evidence – entries should showcase work from the last 18 months to reflect current achievements
- Persistence pays off – submitting multiple times can lead to a better understanding of the process and ultimately a stronger entry.
James also spoke about the rigorous judging process, explaining how entries are carefully screened and reviewed by independent judges. ‘We make sure there are no conflicts of interest and every submission is assessed fairly. Every single thing is marked and graded out of ten,’ he explained. The judges work in pairs, debating and refining their choices to ensure the most deserving candidates are recognised.
Looking to the future, James aims to enhance transparency in the judging process, encourage more video-based entries, and highlight the community contributions made by practices. ‘The Private Dentistry Awards are not just about celebrating success; they help drive excellence across the profession,’ he said.
Watch the video to find out more.
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