A DENTAL company was shortlisted for two coveted national honours.

Silsden-based Ethoss Regeneration Ltd was among the finalists in the prestigious Dental Industry Awards.

The firm again competed for the UK Exporter of the Year accolade, which it won last year.

And it was among the contenders for the Outstanding Business of the Year crown, for businesses with under 25 employees, a category in which it was highly commended in 2017.

Judging for the awards, which recognise the excellence of companies supporting UK dentistry, was carried out by a panel of professional and industry leaders.

The Ryefield Court firm was shortlisted for its continuing success with primary product Ethoss, which helps regenerate bone to support dental implants.

The product is free from any animal or human content and generates 50 per cent new bone for the patient after 12 weeks, meaning surgical procedures can be completed more quickly and reliably.

An expensive separate collagen membrane isn't required, reducing the cost to dentists and patients and helping to speed up healing times.

Although the company didn't win this time, it said to be a finalist again in the awards programme was in itself an honour.

"To be shortlisted for these two national awards again was a real achievement and testament to both our commitment to innovation and customer service in a highly competitive marketplace," said managing director, Dr Paul Harrison.

"We continue to make great strides in challenging markets all over the world. That is down to a combination of a product which truly meets the needs of the patient and end-user, and a research-led strategy which has allowed us to enter new markets with great confidence.

"Our results over the last 12 months – domestically and internationally – have been absolutely outstanding.

"To be recognised for our success by industry peers is really pleasing."

The recognition is the latest in a series of honours for the company, which has become one of the fastest-growing dental businesses in Europe.

Ethoss was also shortlisted in the Exporter of the Year category at the national British Small Business Awards and is the current holder of the Made in Yorkshire Medical, Life Sciences & Healthcare Award.

Earlier this year it continued its global expansion by signing a distribution deal in the Middle East following a visit to a trade show.

Bosses attended the AEEDC Dubai event and agreed a deal with a distributor to cover Jordan.

They also met with partners from the UAE, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Kenya.

AEEDC Dubai is the second biggest event of its kind in the world, attracting more than 50,000 delegates from 130 countries over three days.

Ethoss, which started in 2015, posted a 187 per cent increase in turnover for the 2016-17 financial year.