A Kendal dental practice already recognised for outstanding clinical care is celebrating a major national success: being awarded most environmentally conscious dental practice in the UK.

Crossbank Dental Care, on Captain French Lane, has won an unprecedented second Gold in the Green Impact for Dentistry Awards 2025 making them the best in the UK.

Backed by the NHS, the highly-regarded award sets tough environmental and sustainability goals, challenging practices to innovate and make measurable differences.i

Showing just how tough, from 423 teams registered nationally, just 22 received an award, eight in the gold category.

Topping the leaderboard, Crossbank Dental Care were an emphatic 122 points ahead of second place.

Coming hot on the heels of being awarded Best Dental Practice at the 2025 Cumbria Business Awards, for husband and wife team Principal Dentist Neil Cooper and Manager Bex Cooper, both awards reflect the forward-thinking approach that underpins the practice’s dentistry.

“Clinical excellence and environmental responsibility go hand in hand,” says Neil.

“Modern dentistry can and should be better for both patients and the planet, and that’s what we work towards every day.”

Known across the region for caring family dentistry alongside advanced treatments including dental implants and complex restorative work, their investment in cutting-edge digital technology, such as intra-oral scanners, improves accuracy and patient comfort while significantly reducing dental waste and transport emissions.

The team were also commended for their progressive step of eliminating amalgam fillings years ahead of forthcoming UK legislation, choosing modern alternatives that deliver excellent results while reducing environmental impact.

Sustainability initiatives extend beyond the surgery; from improved energy efficiency, reduced waste systems, and the creation of wildlife-friendly outdoor spaces, led by in-house Green Champion, Shannon.

Their care also extends beyond the treatment room, supporting local families with services such as custom-fitted sports mouthguards, popular with young rugby players, and works closely with schools, nurseries and playgroups to build positive dental experiences for younger children, thanks to their visiting “Tooth Fairy”, the alter ego of Kelly, Oral Health Practitioner.

Whilst their latest aligner recycling initiative has been championed by Sophie, Orthodontic Therapist.

“We’re incredibly proud of this recognition for the whole team,” says Bex.

“But for us, this isn’t about trophies, it’s about doing the right thing.

“Looking after our patients’ health, our community, and our environment are all part of the same picture, and we will never stop driving for better.”

With hints that a new Platinum Award will be introduced for 2026, Crossbank Dental Care’s answer to delivering exceptional smiles and sustainability is: challenge accepted.

To find out more, head to their latest blog here.