The New Zealand Oral Health Association Awards 2025
NZOHA is proud to recognize oral health practitioners who demonstrate exceptional dedication to advancing oral health care. These awards celebrate individuals who exceed expectations, set new professional standards, and make meaningful contributions to the community and the broader health sector.
Do you know someone transforming the field of oral health? Are you a practitioner making a meaningful impact? these awards celebrate individuals who set new professional standards, make meaningful contributions to the community, and go above and beyond in clinical practice, education, advocacy, research, or volunteer work.
Award categories
NZOHA Emerging Oral Health Professional Award - Celebrating rising stars in oral health with 1-7 years of professional experience who demonstrate strong clinical and leadership skills early in their careers.
NZOHA Oral Health Practitioner of the Year Award – Recognizing excellence in clinical care, education, research, advocacy and community service.
Hon. Dame Annette King Award for Excellence in Leadership and Oral Health– Honouring a practitioner with exceptional leadership, innovation, and significant contributions to oral health advancement.
Key dates
Nominations open: 26th March
Nominations close: 2nd May
Winners announced: 27th June at Te Pae Convention Centre, Christchurch
Eligibility Criteria:
Nominees must:
Be a current NZOHA member.
Reside and practice in New Zealand.
Hold registration with the Dental Council of New Zealand in dental hygiene, dental therapy, or oral health therapy.
Award Criteria
NZOHA Emerging Oral Health Professional Award
Nominees should have 1-7 years of professional experience and demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following:
Clinical Excellence: Providing high-quality patient care and demonstrating strong foundational skills as an early-career professional.
Leadership Potential: Showing emerging leadership qualities within their workplace, team, or professional network.
Community Engagement: Contributing to oral health initiatives, outreach programs, or community-based efforts to improve public awareness.
NZOHA Oral Health Practitioner of the Year Award
Nominees should excel in one or more of the following:
Clinical Excellence: Providing exceptional patient care, particularly in special needs, aged care, or underserved areas.
Education & Advocacy: Contributions to oral health education, policy initiatives, and public awareness.
Research & Mentorship: Supporting the field through research, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing.
Professional Leadership: Advancing the profession through innovation and advocacy.
Community Service: Volunteering to improve oral health access and awareness.
Hon. Dame Annette King Award for Excellence in Leadership and Oral Health
Nominees should be oral health professionals who have made significant contributions in one or more of the following areas:
Leadership – Demonstrating strong leadership within the oral health sector, influencing positive change, and advocating for professional growth.
Clinical Excellence – Providing high-quality, patient-centred care and advancing best practices in oral health.
Professional Development – Displaying integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Association Involvement – Active participation in oral health associations, including past or present leadership roles.
Community Engagement – Contributing to community oral health initiatives, outreach programs, or policy advocacy.
Research & Innovation – Advancing oral health knowledge through research, publications, or innovative practices.
Volunteering & Mentoring – Supporting the next generation of oral health professionals through guidance, education, and encouragement.
Empowerment & Advocacy – Championing the growth and recognition of oral health professionals, fostering inclusivity and professional development.
Judging process
NZOHA executives and association representatives will select the winners.
Nominees must submit a 250-word bio and CV for evaluation.
The judge’s decision is final and will not be disputed.
Prizes
NZOHA Emerging Oral Health Professional Award: Plaque, monetary prize, and recognition on NZOHA platforms.
NZOHA Oral Health Practitioner of the Year Award: Plaque, monetary prize, and recognition on NZOHA platforms.
Hon. Dame Annette King Supreme Award for Leadership and Excellence Award: Trophy, plaque, monetary prize, and special recognition on NZOHA Platforms.
How to Apply
Complete the nomination form and submit it with a high resolution nominee photo.
Include a brief statement explaining how the nominee meets the award criteria.
Email applications to profdevelopment@nzoha.org.nz with the subject Awards Nomination 2025 by 2nd May 2025.
