Samantha Salaver, head of dental nursing at London’s Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, was given an MBE in the New Year Honours List.

Samantha, from Enfield, has worked at Guy’s Hospital since 2006 and was recognised for her services to dental nursing.

She joined the trust as a sister in the dental directorate before becoming a dental matron and then head of dental nursing.

During her career, Samantha chaired the Association of Dental Hospitals dental nurses’ group, and she worked with NHS England to set up talent management for dental nurses.

She helped set up the Dental Nursing Academy for apprentices at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and is currently developing a specialist dental nursing degree.

During the pandemic, more than three-quarters of her dental nurse team were redeployed to other areas. As a result of their efforts, they were recognised at the trust’s Nursing and Midwifery Awards, collectively winning the Dame Eileen Sills Award.

The honour was given by Dame Eileen Sills, chief nurse at Guy’s and St Thomas’ to acknowledge their “incredible contribution” dealing with the healthcare impact of coronavirus.

At the time, Samantha said of her team, “I’m so proud of the way my team have gone above and beyond to help wherever they were needed in such a challenging time.”

On her MBE award, Samantha said, “I was overwhelmed and surprised to hear that I was to receive such an honour as this. I work with an amazing team of dental nurses and others and have been privileged to be supported by Guy’s and St Thomas’. I have had the opportunity to develop the future of dental nursing, and I am very proud to be a dental nurse.”

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