Recognised in the 2026 Dentistry Awards as the winner of Innovation in Dentistry, Dental Scanning Services (Mobile Scanning Service Ltd) has been recognised for developing a mobile approach to advanced dental imaging that improves access for clinicians and patients alike. The business’s model focuses on delivering reliable diagnostics in a way that supports existing clinical workflows while maintaining the regulatory standards expected within UK dental care.

We spoke with Tanya Botha, CQC Registered Manager and Co-Director alongside Beth Godfrey and Jackie Pearson, about the thinking behind the service, the challenges of operating in a highly regulated environment, and the next phase of development.

Introducing Dental Scanning Services

Dental Scanning Services was established to address a practical challenge within dentistry: ensuring that high-quality diagnostic imaging can be delivered reliably and in a way that works for both clinicians and patients. Its model centres on providing advanced imaging directly within practice and community settings, supported by structured governance, coordinated operations, and clear communication with both patients and referring clinicians.

The service is underpinned by integrated digital systems that manage referrals, consent workflows, and secure image transfer, helping practices to incorporate imaging into their clinical pathways without unnecessary administrative burden. Alongside this operational structure, the business places strong emphasis on patient experience, ensuring individuals are well informed and supported throughout the imaging process.

In Conversation with Tanya Botha

Following their award win, we spoke with Tanya about the business, its success factors, and its future direction.

Please provide a brief overview of your business or what do you do within the company.

Mobile Scanning Service Ltd – T/A Dental Scanning Services is a CQC-registered provider of fully mobile CBCT and OPT dental imaging across England and Wales. We bring high-quality 3D imaging directly to dental practices, implantologists and NHS Trust sites, eliminating the need for patients to travel to third-party imaging centres.

We operate fully self-sufficient mobile scanning units equipped with the Carestream 8200 3D system. All imaging is carried out in full compliance with IR(ME)R 2017, with radiation protection oversight provided by UKHSA.

As Co-Director and CQC Registered Manager, I oversee regulatory compliance, operational delivery, quality assurance, business strategy and partnership development. My role spans everything from radiation protection compliance to business growth, staff development and strategic collaboration with NHS Trusts and private implant providers.

What would you attribute as the main reason for your success?

Our success comes down to three things: compliance, convenience and relationships.

We have always prioritised regulatory excellence. In a highly regulated industry, maintaining rigorous compliance with CQC standards, IR(ME)R 2017 and radiation protection requirements builds trust with both clinicians and patients.

Secondly, convenience. By bringing CBCT and OPT imaging directly to practices, we remove barriers for patients, reduce unnecessary travel and make advanced imaging more accessible within their own community setting.

Finally, relationships. Our business has grown primarily through long-term professional relationships and referrals. We work closely with implantologists, orthodontists and NHS teams to understand their clinical needs and tailor our service accordingly. We are not just a scanning provider , we are a clinical support partner.

In addition, none of this would be possible without our team. Every member of our organisation plays a significant role in our success. Their professionalism, consistency and commitment to delivering exceptional patient care underpin everything we do. Governance and systems create the framework, but it is our people who bring the service to life and ensure every patient experience reflects our standards.

What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome?

Operating a fully mobile CBCT service within one of the most tightly regulated healthcare environments in the UK has been one of our greatest challenges. Dental imaging sits under strict CQC, IR(ME)R 2017 and radiation protection regulations, and ensuring full compliance across multiple mobile units requires meticulous governance and oversight.

We have worked hard to build robust systems around machine-specific training, quality assurance auditing, radiation protection processes and Service Level Agreements that align with both private and NHS expectations. Establishing that level of governance within a mobile framework required significant planning and investment, but it has strengthened our reputation and credibility across the sector.

This commitment to compliance has become one of our defining strengths.

What do you think made you stand out as a winner in the awards? Tell us about the specific project or facet of your business you believe earned you this award win.

What sets Dental Scanning Services apart is our commitment to bringing hospital-level imaging standards into community dental settings through a fully mobile, compliant model.

One key facet of our business is our structured governance framework. We have developed robust machine-specific training programmes, quality assurance systems, radiation protection audits and service level agreements that align with NHS expectations. This allows us to operate seamlessly across private practices and NHS Trust sites.

Additionally, our mobile delivery model expands access to advanced imaging in underserved areas, supports community clinics and reduces patient travel burdens. We believe the combination of regulatory excellence, operational innovation and patient accessibility contributed to our award recognition.

What is the next big step for you?

Our next step is strategic consolidation and expansion within the NHS and specialist referral sector.

We are focusing on strengthening partnerships with NHS Trusts, supporting backlog reduction and increasing imaging access in areas where patients struggle to travel. At the same time, we are refining our internal systems to ensure scalability without compromising compliance or quality.

Long term, we aim to position Dental Scanning Services as the UK’s leading mobile dental imaging provider — recognised not only for convenience, but for governance, safety and clinical reliability.

Would you recommend Business Awards UK to other businesses? If so, why?

Absolutely.

Business Awards UK provides meaningful recognition for businesses that are working hard behind the scenes to raise standards within their industries. The application process encourages reflection on growth, impact and innovation, which in itself is valuable.

Being recognised externally reinforces team morale, builds credibility with clients and strengthens brand positioning. For growing businesses especially, it is a powerful way to showcase the quality of their work.

Looking Ahead

Dental Scanning Services’ recognition for Innovation in Dentistry reflects a carefully developed model that brings together mobility, structured governance, and operational coordination to support modern clinical practice. By delivering advanced imaging within practice and community settings, the business is helping clinicians access dependable diagnostics while supporting a positive patient experience.

As the organisation continues to strengthen partnerships and refine its delivery model, its approach demonstrates how innovation in dentistry can be grounded in practical service design, regulatory assurance, and consistent patient-focused delivery.