‘Remarkably thoughtful’ Longford dental team recognised for exceptional care of cancer patients

A Longford dental team is celebrating after they were crowned Dental Team of the Year at the Colgate Caring Dentist of the Year Awards 2025 in The Intercontinental Hotel, Ballsbridge last Saturday night.

Dr Sarah McWeeney and her colleagues at Longford Dental Centre received the honour for the compassion, professionalism, and extraordinary support shown to a patient throughout her cancer journey.

Following a cancer diagnosis in 2023, the patient’s oral health needs became significantly more complex. Before beginning cancer treatment, she required six dental extractions to prevent complications during chemotherapy.

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 Dr McWeeney and her team not only carried out the procedures with skill and sensitivity but also ensured that dentures were ready immediately afterwards, so the patient never had to face gaps in her smile.

Once chemotherapy began, the team took additional measures to prioritise the patient’s comfort and safety. Understanding the importance of infection control, they organised for her to wait in her car before appointments and be brought straight into the surgery, avoiding contact with others in the waiting room.

Further care considerations included close coordination with the patient’s oncology team, as she was being treated with bisphosphonates, a medication known to increase oral health risks. These risks were clearly explained and managed with exceptional diligence by Dr McWeeney and her colleagues.

The patient described the entire team including Sarah, Aisling, and Sinead as “kind, professional, and caring,” adding that during one of the most difficult times in her life, they provided comfort, confidence, and unwavering support.

“This team has stood by me through both routine dental visits and the challenges brought on by a cancer diagnosis. They ensured my safety during treatments, and offered reassurance every step of the way. They are also remarkably thoughtful and practical.”

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The Colgate Caring Dentist Awards celebrate dental professionals across Ireland who demonstrate exceptional care, empathy, and commitment to their patients. 

Dr McWeeney and her team at Longford Dental Centre exemplify these values, delivering outstanding patient-centred care at a time when it mattered most.

Colgate Caring Dentist Award Recipients

Overall Winner: Dr Maurice Fitzgerald, Cleary Fitzgerald Dental Practice Sligo

Dublin Winner: Dr Babak Samiei, D6 Dental

Rest of Leinster Winner: Dr Niall Neeson, Boyne Dental, County Meath

Munster Winner: Dr Susan Crean, Crean Dental, County Kerry

Ulster Winner: Dr Lidiia Dydyn, Donegal

Dental Team of the Year: Longford Dental Centre, County Longford

Dr Barry Harrington Award – Young Dentist of the Year: Dr Cal McCarthy, Bayside Dental

Treatment of a Child Award - Dr Kumar Karra, D15 Dental 

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