Signature style – winning Most Improved Practice at the Irish Dentistry Awards

Signature Smiles reveals how it felt to win Most Improved Practice Republic of Ireland at the Irish Dentistry Awards 2023.

Tell us about the practice

Signature Smiles is a specialist orthodontic practice that provides treatment exclusively for young children and adolescents. Based in the heart of Limerick city, the practice has two chairs and one specialist orthodontist, Dr Eamon Howard-Bowles. 

We have six people in our team, who are brilliant at what they do and are very friendly and fun to be around. 

How does it feel to have won an Irish Dentistry Award?

It feels amazing! We are so proud of what we all have achieved at Signature Smiles. We love looking at our award on our shelf; it reminds us of our hard work. 

How did it feel when your name was announced?

It was a surreal moment! Hearing our name being called out as the winner of Most Improved Practice reminded us how much of a great team we are and how much we have developed our clinic. All our hard work and ideas have paid off. 

Have you entered before?

It was our first time entering, so to win an award was super exciting for us as we didn’t expect to win first time entering. 

Talk us through the process of compiling your entry – did you find this experience to be a positive one?

The experience was very positive as we had to think about why we deserved to be nominated and back it up with evidence. It really made us think how much our clinic is worthy to win an award. 

The application journey reminded us how we are a great team! It was especially lovely to have nominated our principal orthodontist Dr Eamon Howard-Bowles as Best Employer, because he truly deserves it. It was nice to see him smile when he found out he was nominated! 

What do you think have been the main benefits of entering the awards?

I think the main benefit again is reminding us of all our hard work. However, the award itself is another benefit. It is a talking point with our patients because they see it when they come for their appointments and are very happy for us. 

The award shows the patient and their parents they are in good hands and makes new patients who may be nervous feel at ease. 

What do you think the Irish Dentistry Awards are doing to standards within the profession?

I think the Irish Dentistry Awards are making businesses keep the standards high. The businesses that have won have a reason to keep up the good work and live up to their winning title and new award. 

What prompted you to enter the Irish Dentistry Awards?

We had seen it being advertised before but never thought to enter, but this time we thought why not? We have nothing to lose and let’s see where it will take us. 

What advice would you give people who are thinking of entering the awards?

Go for it! It is worth all the hard work – and the certificates and award look great in the clinic. 

Will you be entering the awards again?

We have built a state-of-the-art orthodontic clinic so once we have moved in, I think we might enter the Practice of the Year, New Practice, Employer of the Year and Team of the Year categories. 

The Irish Dentistry Awards 2024 is open for entries! To read the entry guide and enter, visit www.irishdentistryawards.com.