A charity that takes dental education into primary schools across Taunton and Wellington has won a national award.
The Magic Dentist was named Charity or Community Project of the Year at the Private Dentistry Awards.
The awards ceremony was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Friday, November 21.
The Magic Dentist is based in York but has found a second home in Taunton and Wellington with support from Liberal Democrat MP Gideon Amos and businesses in the area.
Trustee George Western, who lives in Wellington, said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this award.
“I am excited to be able to assist with fundraising and building the profile of the charity on a local and national scale.”
“We are heading into 2026 with the wind in our sails and are looking for corporate sponsors to come on board.”
Founder Nicki Rowland said: “Winning this award is an incredible honour.
“It recognises not just my work, but the passion, heart, and teamwork behind everything we do.
“With the growing support of MPs, like Gideon, and business leaders who believe in our mission, we’re poised to bring even more smiles, confidence, and care to children who need it most.”
Mr Amos praised the Taunton and Wellington community for supporting The Magic Dentist.
He said: “Seeing local businesses, dental practices, and schools so dedicated to children’s dental health is amazing.
“Children’s dentistry is in crisis – my survey earlier this year showed that only 36 per cent of children have access to an NHS dentist.
“Therefore, education and prevention must be a priority.
“The Magic Dentist will be instrumental in achieving this across Taunton and Wellington, and the rest of the country.”
The Magic Dentist announced recently that Taunton and Wellington would be the first area to see an ‘Adopt a School’ programme, which will see dental practices visit schools to provide education on oral hygiene and care – all delivered through magic.
Whyman House Dental Practice, part of Todays Dental, and Confident Orthodontics, both based in Taunton, are the first practices to sign up.
Todays Dental CEO, Rob Paxman, said: “We are extremely proud to be supporting The Magic Dentist in Taunton.
“The Magic Dentist has been relentless in providing much-needed oral health education, and we hope that the recognition that the charity has now received will inspire more dental practices to get involved.”
Holy Trinity Primary School in Taunton will be piloting the initiative in the New Year, having been paired with Whyman House.
Headteacher Lisa Eadie said: “We are thrilled to participate in the ‘Adopt a School’ programme.
“Dental health is so essential for children’s overall wellbeing, and the Magic Dentist will make learning about it engaging and enjoyable.”
In recent weeks, one of Taunton’s biggest employers, WPA – a not-for-profit health insurance provider – has supported The Magic Dentist through a donation from the WPA Foundation.
