THE MAN behind hundreds of gleaming smiles in the town has reached the finals of a national dentistry competition.

Patrick Holmes, of Seven Fields Dental Health Centre, in Woodcutters Mews, is the first dentist from the town to make it through to the finals of the Smile Awards 2011.

The 41-year-old has been nominated for his work with dental implants and is up against just two other dentists in the country for a chance to be crowned the winner at the final in London on March 25.

Patrick, who was one of the first dentists to be awarded a post-graduate certificate in advanced aesthetic dentistry, has recently been appointed to the Executive Committee of the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry.

“I was thrilled when I got the news,” he said.

“Seven years ago we had the vision of creating a dental practice offering a ‘one stop shop’ of exemplary dentistry, and we now have root canal, gum and brace specialists, and a dentist who concentrates solely on placing implants.

“Our place in the finals shows you no longer have to go to Harley Street and pay Harley Street prices to get top quality work.”

The winner will be announced at the Royal Garden Hotel, in London, and the independent judging panel, chaired by Dr Christopher Orr, will consist of renowned names in the dental and facial sector.