The British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) is delighted that long standing member Dr Debbie Reed is the first recipient of the FGDP(UK)'s Janet Goodwin Award, awarded to the dental care professional (DCP) who has advanced the role of and empowered DCPs in order to educate and improve oral healthcare.

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The Award, which honours the late dental nurse Janet Goodwin, is focused on the all-round performance and skills required to become a passionate and committed advocate for DCPs, reflecting Janet's legacy. The Award highlights the qualities of leading by example, a commitment to lifelong learning that goes beyond statutory requirement, and a wider commitment to the dental profession.

Dr Debbie Reed is Head of the Department for Digital and Lifelong Learning at the University of Kent where she established, and remains the course director of, the Master's degree in Advanced and Specialist Healthcare. Debbie has also been leading the development of degree and higher apprenticeships for the University, building links with employers across the UK and various industries.

Debbie has been a BADN member for more than 20 years, and is a former BADN Executive Committee Chair. In 2020 she was awarded the BADN Outstanding Contribution to Professional Practice Award.

Dr Reed said: 'I am reassured that my work as an educator and my research has practical application and has provided transformational opportunities to those employed across the whole of the dental sector. I had the honour to know Janet Goodwin as colleague; she also contributed to my research, which makes receiving a prize in her name so meaningful and such a poignant privilege'.