The British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) is delighted to announce that one of its long-time members has been honoured in the 2026 New Year's Honours List.

Elaine Simmons, who has been a BADN member for over 20 years and was previously a member of BADN Council as Regional Coordinator for Wales, was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to dentistry and dental nursing as a tutor and assessor.

BADN President Preetee Hylton said: ‘We are delighted that Elaine has been honoured in this way and that her contribution to dentistry as a dental nurse has been recognised. Elaine is one of only four dental honorees and the only dental nurse in the 2026 New Year list.'