Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise CIC (PDSE) has recently won the Social Enterprise Award at Plymouth’s The Herald Business Awards ceremony for a second time.

The award recognises the commitment that students, staff and partners have to oral health education throughout the South West.

Since opening in 2013, over 20,000 people have had access to NHS dental treatment across all four Dental Education Facilities (Derriford, Devonport, Exeter and Truro) where they may not have done before. Patients receive basic dental care and oral health checks from Year One Plymouth University dental students under the supervision of qualified dental health professionals. Patients can receive treatment from Years Two, Three and Four under the supervision of qualified dental health professionals.

PDSE are dedicated to raising the 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 – anyone who needs additional support to improve their oral health.

Nathan Findlay, Chief Operating Officer at PDSE says: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised for the work we do as a social enterprise. It’s a testament to the dedication of the whole team who provide such a fantastic service to both students and the community.”

As a social enterprise PDSE are a not-for-profit organisation. Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise is also the first project of its kind to receive the prestigious Social Enterprise Mark. The Mark is the only independent proof that an organisation puts people, planet and community ahead of profit.

The Herald Social Enterprise Award is the most recent award for PDSE, having gained awards and recognition from, amongst others, The Guardian University and Green Gown Awards over the last five years

Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise is committed to improving dental health in the South West through treatment, education, community and training.