A Birmingham dentist who won a landmark victory against the Department of Health over unfair working contracts has won a national award.

Dr Eddie Crouch scooped the UK Outstanding Achievement award at the Dentistry Awards Ceremony.

He picked up the award after winning a case against South Birmingham Primary Care Trust after he successfully argued it had breached NHS regulations by suggesting it could terminate contracts “at any time and without cause”.

He then successfully defended the action when the Government attempted to have the decision overturned in a judicial review.

Dr Crouch, who practises in Acocks Green, said: “I am truly humbled by this accolade from fellow colleagues and this national award reflects the support and help from my colleagues at Sherwood Dental Practice.” Sherwood Dental Practice also picked up the Best Practice in the Midlands Award 2008/2009 at the bash at the Athena Theatre in Leicester from host Kriss Akabusi.

Practice owner, Dr Saaqib Ali, who was highly commended as the best young dentist in the midlands, said: “What makes this achievement so special is that we are predominantly an NHS practice.”