Catherine Gray of NHS Barking and Dagenham has been named Dental Therapist of the Year at the annual Dental Awards 2009. Catherine, who works for the Special Care and Community Dental Service (SCCDS) based at Five Elms Health Centre in Dagenham, was recognised for her work with special needs patients.

At present, she is undertaking a Certificate in Hypnosis Applied to Dentistry that will help people who are anxious about dental treatment feel more relaxed, reducing the need for medication.