Dr Andrew El-Miligy, a Vocational Dental Practitioner (VDP) at Platt & Common Dental Clinic, prevailed over eight other VDP dentists to win the ‘West 2’ scheme final of the BDA’s case presentation.

The accolade now sees him progress to the College of General Dentistry’s national final, set to showcase the UK’s most promising early-career dentists.

This win marks the second year in succession that a VDP from the Stirling-based practice has claimed the scheme title, a testament to the quality of training provided at Scottish Dental Care’s Platt & Common Dental Clinic. In 2024 Dr Caleb Lai, now an associate at the clinic also took first place.

Dr El-Miligy said: “It has been an incredibly rewarding process to take a complex case from the initial consultation through to a confident, happy patient outcome, and to receive professional recognition for the work adds to the sense of pride I already feel.”

The extensive NHS treatment included caries management (treating tooth decay), periodontal stabilisation (managing gum disease), and the delivery of three monolithic zirconia crowns.

The case, which spanned seven months, was part of Dr El-Miligy’s vocational training year, a foundation period for newly qualified dentists.

The practice trainers, John Denham and Thomas Slack, have now mentored two successive winners of the NES scheme award.

John Denham, Lead Clinician at Platt & Common Dental Clinic, said: “What Andrew has accomplished proves that when enthusiasm, clinical skill and the right support are aligned, patients receive exceptional NHS care and young clinicians develop the confidence to excel.”

Part of the wider Scottish Dental Care group, Platt & Common benefits from the support of one of Scotland’s leading dental providers. Founded by brothers Philip and Christopher Friel in 2016, has grown to encompass 22 locations serving more than 250,000 patients.

Co-founder and Director of Dentistry, Philip Friel, continues to shape the group’s clinical standards, embedding patient care and dentist wellbeing across its network of over 125 clinicians.

Philip Friel said: “We are incredibly proud of Andrew, Caleb and the team at Platt & Common. Their work highlights the level of care that patients can receive in a supportive, innovative practice environment.

“It’s further proof that our model, combining clinical autonomy with strategic support and mentoring, helps exceptional talent flourish. Both John and Tom are exceptionally experienced clinicians and it is a great testament to them that they take the time to pass on this experience to the younger dental graduates through participation in the VT scheme.”

Scottish Dental Care provides a sector-leading offering to dentists and practice teams, with best-in-class remuneration packages, mentoring, and professional development.

Andrew is expected to present his award-winning case to a national judging panel at the College of General Dentistry later this year.

To find out more about Platt & Common, visit: https://scottishdentalcare.co.uk/clinic/platt-common-dental-clinic/

To find out more about Scottish Dental Care, visit: https://scottishdentalcare.co.uk/