Claire’s award-winning research, “Oral Health and Care Practices in an Irish Residential Facility,” was recognised for its strong clinical relevance and contribution to the field. Her research was supervised by Professor Martina Hayes (UCC), Professor Gerry McKenna (QUB) and Dr Francis Burke (UCC), with additional contributions from Dr Danielle McGeown and Dr Elizabeth Moloney. The Hatton Award is an international competition that recognises excellence among early-career researchers in dental science and attracts exceptional candidates from leading institutions worldwide. Claire’s achievement reflects both the quality of her work and its impact within a highly competitive field. She represented the Irish Division at the General Session, having previously won the Irish Division Postgraduate Research Award in Barcelona in June 2025. This success highlights the strength of ongoing research in Special Care Dentistry and is a proud achievement for both Claire and her supervisors.

This recognition highlights the Dental School and Hospitals' continued excellence in dental education, research, and clinical practice on the international stage. The QS World University Rankings by Subject are widely regarded as one of the most influential global ranking systems, assessing universities based on academic reputation, employer reputation, research impact, and international collaboration. UCC’s inclusion in the 51–150 band for Dentistry reflects the School’s commitment to high-quality teaching, innovative research, and patient-centred care.

From registration through to the final session, the seminar maintained strong attendance and enthusiastic participation, reflecting the appetite for continued learning and clinical excellence within all members of the dental team.