UCLan student wins national dental undergraduate award

8 July 2018

Luke Savva collects the Royal College of Surgeons and Physicians of Glasgow undergraduate prize

A dentistry student from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has won a national award for his clinical skills.

Luke Savva has collected the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow UK Dental Undergraduate Award (RCSPG).

To qualify for the award, students had to present a clinical case in the form of a poster detailing treatment provided during training, which Luke completed at the Carlisle Dental Centre. His clinical supervisors, who helped shape his whole approach to dentistry, encouraged Luke to compile clinical case reports on all the patients he treated and critically appraised his work.

Luke, from Derby, said: “I cannot thank the clinical supervisors enough for all their support and Professor Welbury was helpful throughout the whole process.

“It's nice to win this award, it’s great to advertise the excellent hands-on experience I had at Carlisle, and the case highlighted the holistic treatment planning that UCLan offers within their Dental Education Centres."

"I plan to use the award to pay for the an examination as soon as I feel prepared for it, and so UCLan and the RCPS have both helped me to invest in my continuing education."

The 26-year-old, who will graduate later this month, aims to specialise in prosthodontics with his ultimate aspiration to become an independent principal dentist.

Dr Angela Magee, Head of the School of Dentistry, commented: “Luke winning the prestigious RCSPG Undergraduate prize is a fantastic accolade for the School and strengthens the School’s relationship with the Glasgow College.  Our students have also been successful in winning a first, second and third place in the three years they have entered the Royal College of Edinburgh Clinical Skills competition.

“Whilst being one of the newest Dental Schools in the country, our success in these competitions shows that the talent of students is supported by a dedicated and committed teaching staff.”

The award is open to all UK undergraduate dental students and offers scholarships of up to £500 each to four eligible UK undergraduate dental students.

It was the second prize Luke collected this year as he also won the UCLan Restorative Dentistry Award after taking guidance from the clinical supervisors.

Luke Savva
Luke Savva