Find out why this dentist's patients have a reason to smile

Keith McClean, who works at the mydentist practice in Sunderland Road, South Shields, has been tending to patients’ teeth for more than 17 years.

Now the father of three has been nominated for a Best of Health Award in recognition of his efforts.

The annual awards – which are being jointly held across South Tyneside and Sunderland for the first time – aim to honour outstanding individuals in the health profession.

Mr McClean, from Gateshead, was nominated for a Dentist of the Year Award by a patient, who said: “I find Keith very conscientious and thorough.

“I have other health issues and Keith is very aware of them when treating me.

“I have seen many dentist over the years and I usually have many questions 
about my treatment and my choices.

“I really appreciate Keith’s patience and willingness to discuss those. He is an asset to our area.”

Mr McClean, 40, called it an ‘honour’ to be put forward for the accolade.

He said: “To be nominated for the award has given me a real sense of achievement.

“The reason why I do 
the job that I do is to help people.”

“I have been at the practice for 17 years, but members of my team have been here longer than I have.

“It is very much a team effort, from the receptionists to the nurses.”

He added: “It is great to be nominated and it is nice that someone has taken the time to do so.

“It means that we are doing something right.

“We see anxious patients on a frequent basis, so we try to help them as much as we cam.

“It’s a very rewarding job.”

Sponsors for this year’s awards are South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust, City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, mydentist, NHS Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group and the Quality Hotel Boldon.

There are a range of categories for people to choose to nominate someone for and once the nominations are in, a shortlist will be drawn up.

Finalists will then be invited to a finale at the Quality Hotel, in Boldon, on Thursday, April 27.

There are lots of categories to choose from, so there’s no excuse not to put your own health hero in the running for honours.

To nominate someone for an award, just send your name, address and telephone number, as well as your email address, if applicable.

Remember to include the category you are putting your nominated cause into.

Also send the name of the person you wish to nominate, along with their address, telephone number and email (if known).

Send all of that to Lynn Wild by no later than April 7.

Email those entries to [email protected] or send them to Lynn Wild, Alexander House, Second Floor, Rainton Bridge Business Park, Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland, DH4 5RA.