Newcastle University student David Cobbett has been named as the national Dental Clinical Skills Competition winner. 

It is the second year running that a Newcastle University student has won the grand final following Joe Reid’s win in 2018. 

The competition is run by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) and sponsors Dentsply Sirona. The RCSEd President, Professor Mike Griffin, was delighted that for the last two years, the winners have come from Newcastle where he was Professor of Surgery.

Following his win at the Grand Final, held at the college on 28 February, David said: “I wasn’t expecting it, I didn’t think I’d done well. It was a great opportunity to practice practical skills we don’t often get to experience. 

“I am very interested in learning more advanced aspects of dentistry after I graduate and so I hope that courses provided by the college could help me
with that.”

The Dean of RCSEd’s Faculty of Dental Surgery, Professor Fraser McDonald, said: “This unique competition offers aspiring young dentists the opportunity to take on practical evaluation by a series of challenges not often seen in their normal environment. 

“The prestigious setting of the Royal College offers a distinctive backdrop; welcoming the young students and encouraging information sharing and friendships forming that are likely to be lifelong.” 

Michael Davidson, Clinical Lead at Dentsply Sirona, added: “The competition gives Dentsply Sirona the opportunity to engage with final year dental students in a very positive way. Professional development, innovation and oral health improvement are central to what Dentsply Sirona do.”

Tags: David Cobbett, dentsply sirona, Joe Reid, National Dental Clinical Skills Competition, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, University of Newcastle