A South West social enterprise with close ties to Peninsula Dental School has been named in the NatWest SE100 Social Business Top 100 Index.
Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise CIC's (PDSE) Chief Executive Robert Witton was also shortlisted in the Award's Leadership category.
The SE100 is now in its tenth year, and celebrates the growth, impact and resilience of the UK's best social ventures - by naming 100 of the most impressive social enterprises, 25 'trailblazing newcomers' and giving awards to outstanding achievers in eight categories.
Robert, who is also Director of Social Engagement and Community-based Dentistry in the University's Peninsula Dental School, said:
"I am very proud of the team and all their endeavours in making PDSE such an outstanding organisation and I would like to thank our patients, community partners and friends who support us on our journey. To be recognised within the Index, and as the only dentistry based social enterprise too, means a huge amount to us all."
Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise is committed to improving dental health in the South West through treatment, education, community and training. Created by the University of Plymouth in 2013, PDSE runs the University's four Dental Education Facilities throughout Devon and Cornwall and is a NHS training clinic for its dental profession students, including dentists, dental nurses and hygiene therapists, and postgraduate students on specialist courses such as restorative dentistry.
During the current COVID-19 pandemic, while student clinics remain closed, the experienced staff team are on hand to offer dental advice and guidance to existing patients both over the phone and by offering a range of tips and advice via PDSE's social media channels.
Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE)
PDSE is a Community Interest Company (CIC) committed to improving oral health across the South West. They: run Dental Education Facilities in Plymouth, Truro and Exeter, where students from the University treat NHS patients; improve awareness of oral health in the wider community, focusing on groups such as schoolchildren, the elderly, parents, those with specific conditions, people with special needs substance abusers, the homeless, prisoners and; ensure access to dental care for all, but especially to those groups who may feel excluded from mainstream dentistry.
