Oldham dental nurse reaches National Dental Awards finals

Tom Jefferson, a dental nurse at Ascroft Medical in Clegg Street in Oldham town centre, has been chosen as a finalist in the Private Dentistry Awards 2025.

Tom (23), who has lived in Oldham most of his life, was thrilled to be receive an email from the awards in which it said: “A huge congratulations on being named a finalist for the Private Dentistry Awards - a fantastic achievement and a true testament to your hard work and dedication over the past year.

"Each year, the number of entries continues to rise, and this year has been no exception.

"In fact, entries have increased by 19%, making 2025 a record-breaking year for submissions from practices across the UK.

"The competition has been tougher than ever, and to be chosen as a finalist from such an outstanding pool of talent speaks volumes about your dedication, skill, and hard work.”

Tom, who has been with Ascroft Medical Dental Clinic for five years,said: “It was such a wonderful surprise.

"I didn’t even know I had been put forward.

"I wondered why I was asked to have a new photo taken in my uniform!”

Ascroft Medical’s Krzysztof Zemlik said: "My co-director Peter Kieruzel are I are equally delighted with the news.

"We were asked to give a supporting statement to the nomination which we were happy to do.

I met Tom on Ascroft Medical’s fifth birthday.

"We were holding a reception and Tom was working for a local caterer, who were providing the food.

"I immediately noticed Tom’s attention to detail, quietly attending to the food requirements of the guests and anticipating what was required well in advance.

"I saw the potential in Tom that very evening, he had his initial interview to join Ascroft Medical, there and then without knowing it.

"The next day I visited Tom and offered him a trainee dental nurse position and the rest as they say, is history.

"Five years on Tom is a valued member of our dental clinic.

"While we have trained him on his professional and technical skills, his interpersonal skills, ability and readiness to learn, his team player and adaptability skills were already inherent."

The Private Dentistry Awards ceremony takes place on Friday, November 21 at the Grosvenor House in London.

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.