Cosmetic dentist Dr Sunita Verma was named Professional of the Year at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards in London recently.

Dr Verma founded Sparkle Dental Boutique, a multi award-winning private practice in west London which helps reconstruct people's lives after trauma.

Now in their 10th year, the Asian Women of Achievement Awards, held in association with Lloyds TSB, celebrate the contribution of Asian women to British life in the media, business, the arts, politics and the voluntary sector.

The judges, chaired by British Red Cross chief executive Sir Nicholas Young, said this year's winners were some of the most impressive and inspiring individuals ever to be honoured in the programme's 10-year history.

They said Dr Verma was 'an inspiring role model' who has achieved significant success through her 'passion, commitment and risk-taking', rather than a professional or entrepreneurial background. They also praised her as a 'beacon for young girls' thanks to her 'anyone can do it' attitude.

The ceremony was attended by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, patron Cherie Blair, Nick Clegg MP, actress Meera Syal, James Caan, entrepreneur and star of TV's Dragon's Den, The Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP, chairman of the judges and chief executive of the British Red Cross Sir Nicholas Young, The Rt Hon Theresa May MP, Shami Chakrarbarti, director of Liberty, Baroness Kennedy QC, Baroness Greenfield and Caroline Spelman MP. For information on the awards visit www.awaawards.com.