Doctor Tom Quilter wins top award at Colgate Caring Dentist Awards 2024

• Tralee dentist Dr Tom Quilter has been announced as the Colgate Caring Dentist of the Year 2024.
• Dr Quilter was nominated for the award by a patient who is currently undergoing cancer treatment;
• Through Dr Quilter’s astute observation and continued persistence, his patient got the treatment she needed as soon as it was possible.
• The patient who nominated Dr Quilter said “Although my medical team did not agree with the diagnosis, Tom persisted and ensured I consulted a maxillofacial surgeon who successfully operated on my jaw”.

Dr Tom Quilter, from Tralee, has been announced as the Colgate Caring Dentist of the Year for 2024.

Dr Quilter was nominated for the award by a patient who is currently undergoing cancer treatment.

One of Dr Quilter’s patients nominated him for the award saying; “For many years, my dentist Dr Tom Quilter, has provided me with excellent dental care. Last year he diagnosed osteonecrosis of my jaw caused by the Zometa infusions that are part of my cancer treatment. Although my medical team did not agree with the diagnosis, Tom persisted and ensured I consulted a maxillofacial surgeon who successfully operated on my jaw”.

Through Dr Quilter’s astute observation and continued persistence, his patient got the treatment she needed as soon as it was possible.

The annual Colgate Caring Dentists Awards recognise dentists that have provided dental treatment and care over and above the call of duty, often with transformative effects, as nominated by patients and members of the public.

The four-person judging panel felt that the treatment and care Dr Tom Quilter provided to a family, already experiencing untold challenges, made a significant difference to the lives of those patients.

Colgate Caring Dentist of the Year Awards

Now in its 17th year, the Colgate Caring Dentist of the Year Awards 2024 celebrate dentists in their local communities who have provided dental treatment and care that has gone over and above for their patients.

There are nine award categories, including the overall Colgate Caring Dentist of the Year, Dental Team of the Year, and winners from each of the four provinces, as well as a Dublin winner.

Hosted by the Irish Dental Association and title sponsor Colgate, this year saw almost 1,000 nominations received from dental patients and their families all over the country.

The winners were announced at a gala awards ceremony that took place at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dublin on Saturday night.

This year’s Colgate Caring Dentist of the Year 2024 winners are:

• Overall Winner – Colgate Caring Dentist of the Year: Dr Tom Quilter, St John's Dental Clinic Tralee, County Kerry
• Dublin Winner – Dr Greg Creavin, Beechwood Dental, Ranelagh, Dublin 6
• Connacht/Ulster Winner – Dr Miriam Grady, Grady Family Dental, Ballina, Co Mayo
• Munster Winner – Dr Sarah Rymer, Expressions Dental and Cosmetic Clinic, Roscrea, Co Tipperary
• Rest of Leinster Winner – Dr Marcela Torres Leavy, Kinnegad Dental, Kinnegad, Co Westmeath
• Dental Team Winner – Ballinrobe Dental.
• Treatment of a Child Award – Dr Rose-Marie Daly, Rose-Marie Daly Dentistry for Children, Northern Cross, Dublin 17
• Dr Barry Harrington Young Dentist of the Year – Dr Amanda Twomey, Boyne Dental & Implant Clinic Navan, Co Meath

Speaking at the awards, the President of the Irish Dental Association, Dr Rory Boyd, congratulated all the winners and nominated dentists.

"Each year, we’re inspired by the incredible impact dentists and their teams have on their patients' lives. The Caring Dentist of the Year Awards provide the perfect stage to celebrate these heartwarming stories. What makes these awards truly unique is that the nominations come directly from the patients themselves, reflecting their deep gratitude and appreciation. Congratulations to Dr. Quilter and all our winners and nominees for their remarkable achievements and the extraordinary care they bring to their communities every single day."

Rukiya Ibrahim, Marketing Director, Colgate Palmolive, has paid tribute to the patients who share their very personal stories.

"We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the patients who shared their stories and took the time to nominate their dentists. Your voices make these awards truly meaningful.

"At their core, these awards celebrate the patients and the exceptional care they’ve received. We’re thrilled to once again support this inspiring program and shine a spotlight on these incredible experiences."