FDS Undergraduate Award runners up and finalists
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Congratulations to our runners up and all finalists from UK dental schools.
Learn more about their initiatives.
First prize winner: Sana Thagia
I'm a fifth year dental student at the University of Manchester and have always been passionate about widening participation and making dentistry more accessible. When I learned that Dental Cold Spots frequently mirror wider inequalities in accessing dental education, where some young people rarely get the chance to imagine a career in dentistry, I wanted to help change that.
With funding from NHS England and support from the Dental Schools Council, I collaborated with the Head of Dental Admissions to co-develop an online Summer School. My aim was to create a hands-on experience of dentistry in a virtual format that overcame financial and geographic barriers, providing activities, student-led sessions, and insights into the field of dentistry. I was instrumental in all elements of project design and delivery, notably securing sponsorship from dental brands and hand-packing Welcome Packs. One of my favourite parts was designing an indirect-vision mirror exercise, which quickly became a highlight.
Seeing participants grow in confidence and successfully secure a place at dental school has been immensely rewarding. I'm honoured to receive this recognition from the Faculty of Dental Surgery and deeply grateful for their support in championing widening participation and promoting equity and opportunity within dental education.
Joint runner-up: Abigail Cheong
This project is aimed at supporting individuals throughout their dental journey, from aspiring dental students to practicing professionals. It focuses on strengthening understanding of dental morphology and developing fine manual skills essential for ensuring precision and confidence in clinical practice. Using a combination of educational resources, wax carving kits, and interactive workshops, the project provides hands-on opportunities for learners to deepen their anatomical knowledge and practical ability.
The workshop centres on tooth anatomy and carving, offering students and professionals an engaging and creative way to enhance their understanding of form and structure. These sessions have been delivered at universities and events across the UK, helping participants refine their skills, connect with other professionals in the field, and build confidence in their clinical technique.
In partnership with Colgate, I am proud to be a Colgate Trainer, travelling to dental universities across the UK to deliver interactive workshops as part of a national programme. This partnership enables me to share my passion for teaching and inspire the next generation of dentists through interactive, skill-based learning. At its core, the project will empower learners and foster curiosity, skill development, and a deeper appreciation for the tooth morphology artistry within dentistry.