She was nominated for her tireless services to education and the improvement of dental health in young people and will receive her award later this year.
Ingrid is a familiar face to many in East Yorkshire having worked in community health for more than 25 years, firstly in providing oral health education direct to local families and more recently as a practice manager.
Drawing on her own childhood experiences of the effects of poor oral health, plus her knowledge of the local community, she founded Teeth Team in Hull – a charity dedicated to helping empower children to make the right decisions for their oral health.
The charity’s achievements are impressive, achieving a near 20 per cent reduction in children’s extractions under general anaesthetic in one area of Hull alone.
Since its inception, what began as a small community organisation has expanded across the UK to areas of deprivation aiming to make a positive impact on children’s oral health.
Ingrid said, “I know first-hand the lifelong difficulties that children face due to early tooth decay and that is what drives me to make a change. Sadly not all children are encouraged to maintain good oral health, or make the right food choices, but through our work we aim to educate children and make brushing an everyday routine.
“The children that we see now are the parents of tomorrow and by providing education and encouragement we can break the cycle of childhood dental decay.
“I’m extremely honoured to be receiving an MBE but the award honours everyone who has been involved with Teeth Team.”
Steve Melton, managing director of mydentist, said, “Ingrid is a credit to mydentist and we were thrilled to hear her news. We cannot think of anyone who is more deserving of this award.
“Throughout her career Ingrid has been passionate about breaking down barriers preventing children from managing good oral health at home. During a time where a child is having an extraction under general anaesthetic every 10 minutes, Ingrid and her team are playing a vital role in fighting against preventable dental disease.”
Although Ingrid has not yet been given a date she will travel to London later this year to be presented with her award.
For more information about Teeth Team visit teethteam.org.uk