The search for this year's most inspiring teachers in the UK's dental schools and foundation schemes has begun, as the Dental Defence Union (DDU) opens nominations for its eighth annual Educational Awards.

For the first time, fellow teachers, as well as students and recent graduates, can nominate a teacher who has made the most positive educational impact on them, their school, or their foundation scheme. The deadline for entries is Tuesday 31 August 2010.

Rupert Hoppenbrouwers, Head of the DDU said, We started these awards for teachers of undergraduate dentists in 2003 and their popularity has enabled us to expand the event to include teachers of dental care professionals and vocational trainers. Until now, student dentists and DCPs have enthusiastically nominated the teachers who have made a positive impression on them during their dental education. This year we are also inviting teachers themselves to get involved and nominate a colleague they believe has made a real difference to their faculty or deanery, their students and colleagues. We hope they will take up the challenge!'

This year there are two award categories, Dentist Teacher of the Year (dental schools and foundation schemes) and Dental Care Professional (DCP) Teacher of the Year. The three finalists chosen from the nominations in each category will compete for the title at an awards ceremony in central London on Wednesday 17 November. Each finalist will be awarded £250 and the overall winners in each category will receive £1,000 towards the cost of educational materials for their schools or VT schemes.

Nominations will be considered across a number of criteria, including enthusiasm for their subject, student mentoring and the ability to motivate others. Nomination forms can be downloaded or completed online at the DDU website (http://www.the-ddu.com/dduawards), or obtained from a DDU dental liaison manager.