
Meet this year’s Laboratory Leading 20 – the individuals driving the future of dental technology.
Now in its third year, the Laboratory Leading 20 returns once again to celebrate the people shaping the future of UK dental technology. Each year, this initiative shines a spotlight on those whose influence, innovation and passion continue to elevate dental labs. These are the individuals driving progress – and inspiring others to do the same.
Curating this year’s list was no easy task. Once again, the level of talent, innovation and generosity across UK dental technology made selection a challenge – and a joy. Every name featured has demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity or leadership that’s making a difference right now.
Congratulations to all those who made it, and thank you to everyone who submitted nominations. Meet the Laboratory Leading 20 for 2025…
Unlike awards with strict criteria, Laboratory Leading 20 is subjective. There’s no public voting or ranking – instead, the final list reflects the panel’s view of those driving dental technology forward over the past year.
We received nominations from across the profession, after which FMC and the Laboratory editorial board carefully reviewed and selected the final 20.
The process considers influence, visibility, success both within and beyond the lab, and contributions that benefit the wider profession – recognising individuals who use their platform to uplift, innovate and inspire others.
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Nina Frketin
Nina Frketin is an international speaker and the founder of Nightshift, a global initiative empowering women in dental technology. Her leadership, editorial influence and commitment to driving excellence and inclusivity continue to inspire progress across the profession.

Jennifer Alexander
Jennifer Alexander led the Orthodontic Technicians Association (OTA) for five years, advocating for improved education and opportunity. Her leadership has strengthened access to training and professional development for technicians in Scotland.
Deepa Bharakhda
Award-winning dental technician Deepa Bharakhda is a mentor and international lecturer known for uplifting the lab community. As a co-founder of Nightshift and Den-Tech charity supporter, she combines leadership, education and advocacy for the profession.
Beth Brown
Beth Brown is an educator and business leader committed to improving training and accessibility in dental technology. A lecturer and 3shape educator, she also runs ‘Tech Talk’, promoting discussion and learning among technicians worldwide.
Craig Mark Broughton
Craig Mark Broughton is known for his artistry and precision in denture creation, combining craftsmanship with advanced digital techniques. His collaborative approach with clinicians and commitment to innovation make him a rising leader in dental technology.
Ashley Byne
Ashley Byrne is a pioneering laboratory owner and thought leader driving modernisation within the dental technology sector. His advocacy for innovation and progress has positioned him as a key voice for the industry’s future.
Alina Ceclan
A passionate educator and skilled technician, Alina Ceclan is dedicated to advancing the dental community through teaching and mentorship. Her work spans both the UK and USA, where she shares her expertise to inspire and elevate technicians across the profession.
Nina Frketin
Nina Frketin is an international speaker and the founder of Nightshift, a global initiative empowering women in dental technology. Her leadership, editorial influence and commitment to driving excellence and inclusivity continue to inspire progress across the profession.

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G-Q
Kash Qureshi
Kash Qureshi is a leading advocate for CDTs, known for his innovation, mentorship and community leadership. Through education and outreach, he champions professionalism and inspires the next generation of dental technicians.

Chris Golze
Chris Golze is a trailblazer in the field of mouthguards, known for raising standards in quality across the industry. His leadership and community engagement continues to make a lasting positive impact on the dental lab profession.
Andrea Johnson
Andrea Johnson, an NHS Foundation Trust orthodontic and maxillofacial laboratory manager, lends her voice to multiple advisory boards on the future of dental care. She also acts as chair and CEO of Den-Tech – a charity providing dental appliances to vulnerable people. For the past two years, Andrea has led volunteer trips to Uganda, transforming the lives of those with limited access to dental care.
James Neilson
President of the British Association of Clinical Dental Technology (BACDT), James Neilson promotes education and professional growth for clinical dental technicians (CDTs). His work with the College of General Dentistry (CGDent) on career pathways has been instrumental in shaping the profession’s future.
Caroline Persaud
Caroline Persaud plays a leading role in developing career pathways for CDTs through CGDent. As a course leader and working panel member, she is instrumental in advancing professional standards and structured education.
Eleanor Pittard
Co-founder of Nightshift and co-owner of The Hive Dental Laboratory, Eleanor Pittard shares valuable marketing and business insights with the dental community. Through her writing, judging roles and charitable work, she champions professional growth and collaboration within the sector.
Emily Pittard
A CDT and co-founder of Nightshift, Emily Pittard is an advocate for education, inclusion and change within the dental community. As a GDC education associate and CGDent board member, she pushes boundaries in clinical and educational practice.
Kash Qureshi
Kash Qureshi is a leading advocate for CDTs, known for his innovation, mentorship and community leadership. Through education and outreach, he champions professionalism and inspires the next generation of dental technicians.

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S-W
Eboni-Rose Williams
A promising young maxillofacial technician, Eboni-Rose Williams stands out for her dedication to education and charitable work. She actively supports peers and contributes to the advancement of student learning within dental technology.

Bill Sharpling
Bill is driving new pathways for professional education and development in dentistry, expanding access to high-quality training and support across the profession in his numerous roles. He is associate dean (CPD) and director of Londec at King’s College London, and sits as chair of the faculty of clinical dental technology and dental technology at CGDent.
David Smith
David Smith has been a tireless advocate for the dental laboratory profession, securing funding for new college courses and shaping future education pathways. A past GDC council member and Dental Laboratories Association (DLA) chair, his leadership continues to safeguard the future of dental technology.
Hugo Sousa
Hugo Sousa is a lecturer, researcher and international leader in dental education, known for merging traditional artistry with modern CAD/CAM methods. He serves as a DLA non-executive director and CGDent collaborator, advancing technician career pathways and inspiring students globally.
Kristina Vaitelyte
An international lecturer and CAD/CAM specialist, Kristina Vaitelyte makes complex technologies accessible to all technicians. Her global teaching and charitable involvement have advanced digital dentistry education and inclusion.
Antony Wainwright
Founder of Optadent Solutions, Antony Wainwright has grown his business from a garden shed into one of the UK’s most recommended laboratories. His innovation, including pioneering titanium frameworks, has modernised production methods and set new standards in dental lab technology.
Eboni-Rose Williams
A promising young maxillofacial technician, Eboni-Rose Williams stands out for her dedication to education and charitable work. She actively supports peers and contributes to the advancement of student learning within dental technology.

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