British Orthodontic Society member and Consultant Orthodontist, Karen Juggins, has been awarded the MBE for Services to Dentistry in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

Karen is the driving force behind the ‘KeepStokeSmiling’ campaign, an initiative that has since evolved into the national ‘KeepBritainSmiling’ movement. Endorsed by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the British Dental Association (BDA), and the British Orthodontic Society (BOS), this social media-led campaign delivers oral health messages in a uniquely engaging way. The campaign incorporates contributions from patients, students, community groups and sports teams, making it a grassroots movement that resonates widely. There are now 18 different KeepSmiling groups up and down the country and it’s continuing to grow – https://bos.org.uk/keep-britain-smiling/

A testament to Karen’s forward-thinking approach, Stoke City Football Club became involved, leading to the delivery of dental health workshops or roadshows to over 40,000 primary school children. This outstanding project won the English Football League Community Project of the Season 2023, earning a commendation from the House of Commons. Following this success, the Premier League Charity developed a dental health resource for football clubs, freely available via Premier League Primary Stars and clubs such as Manchester United, Dundee United, Burton Albion, Liverpool and Arsenal have since implemented similar initiatives.

Karen’s work had already not gone unnoticed having received accolades such as the Colyer Gold Medal from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, BOS Distinction Award, BDA Award for Excellence and Fellowship ad hominem of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

Karen said, “I am truly honoured and delighted to receive an MBE in The King’s Birthday Honours for services to dentistry. As a Consultant Orthodontist, it is a real privilege to help transform the smiles and confidence of so many patients, whilst working alongside some truly exceptional colleagues. I am particularly proud that this honour also recognises the collective work behind the KeepStokeSmiling campaign. By bringing together healthcare, schools, colleges, football clubs and local businesses across our community, we set out to show that improving young people’s oral health requires more than traditional NHS campaigns alone. The success of the initiative belongs to the many people who were prepared to challenge convention, back a new approach and believe that communities themselves can become a force for national change. Great progress is rarely made by standing still or always playing it safe. I believe we have shown that real positive change can grow from ordinary places when communities work together. Never underestimate a Stoke smile — or the people behind it.”

BOS President, Robbie Lawson commented, “The British Orthodontic Society is delighted to learn that Karen has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for Services to Dentistry. It is richly deserved and testament to the huge efforts I know that she has put into the KeepStokeSmiling campaign. Her innovative leadership has reshaped dental public health messaging, showing that creative partnerships can make a real difference in public health.”

ENDS

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For more information, please contact Chris Baker on 07947 470896 or email chris.baker@coronadental.co.uk