The award was presented at the National Dental Assisting Conference at the Sydney International Convention Centre on September 16.

Each year the Dental Assistants Professional Association gives dental practices, employers and staff the opportunity to nominate a dental assistant who has done something extraordinary in their profession.

The Vern-Barnett Award is presented to a dental assistant who demonstrates excellence in service above and beyond excepted duties.

In Ms Budd’s role as regional manager she oversees the practice managers and more than 30 dental assistants at The Happy Tooth’s Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Singleton and Muswellbrook practices. 

She has also organised for staff to volunteer at dental clinics in Nepal and Vietnam, to provide dental care to people in need.

Ms Budd was nominated for the award by The Happy Tooth Kurri Kurri dentist David Ward in recognition of her passion for the industry.

“Megan’s commitment is demonstrated through the very high standard of assistance provided to the dentists and patients from her staff,” Dr Ward said.

“Without Megan, The Happy Tooth practices would not be such an easy place to work, with the high standard of dental assistants she is responsible for being a major factor in what allows the best possible work to be done.

“Her diligence and no-compromise attitude demonstrates to more junior staff the level of quality that is expected and truly leads by example.”

Ms Budd said she was “chuffed” to win the award.

“It’s a prestigious award and the criteria was really tough,” she said.