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BADT marks Diamond Anniversary at glittering conference

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2023-07-21
JournalBDJ Team
AuthorsGeorgina Vero
InstitutionsBritish Association of Dermatologists
AnalysisFull AI Review Included

This document reports on the 58th Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT), marking the Diamond Anniversary (60 years) of the profession in the UK. The focus was on professional reflection, educational development, and workforce planning, rather than material science or engineering research.

  • Core Focus: Reflection on the 60-year history of dental therapy and strategic planning for future workforce development.
  • Theme: ‘Reflections on the past to build a future workforce.’
  • Key Educational Topics: Development of educational opportunities, postgraduate training pathways, and the changing face of dental hygiene/therapy education (Prof Chris Louca).
  • Professional Development: Discussions covered clinical practice, aesthetic dentistry (Kamran Rasul), oncology patient care (Joss Harding), and corporate roles (Jess Hulme).
  • Historical Context: Insights provided by Polly Munday on the early days of training at the famous New Cross School for Dental Therapists in the 1960s.
  • Social/Charity Achievement: A charity raffle held during the presidential dinner successfully raised ÂŁ1,367 for the President’s chosen charity, Confidential (a support helpline for dental professionals).
  • Event Structure: Included a diamond-studded black-tie celebration featuring a menu of signature dishes representing six decades of dental therapy.
ParameterValueUnitContext
Event TypeAnnual Scientific MeetingN/A58th occurrence
Association AnniversaryDiamond (60 years)N/AHistory of dental therapy in the UK
Event Date17 June 2023N/AConference date
VenueLeonardo Royal London City HotelN/AConference location
Charity Funds Raised1,367ÂŁAmount raised via raffle
Decades Represented6N/ASignature dishes at presidential dinner
Author AffiliationUniversity of LiverpoolN/AClinical Tutor (BDS/BSc program)
Author Education StatusUndertaking MScN/ADental Education (UCLan)

The event methodology focused on professional development and historical reflection, structured across a full-day conference and evening dinner.

  1. Historical Reflection Session: Delegates engaged in an educational reflection guided by Polly Munday, focusing on the origins of dental therapy training (New Cross School, 1960s).
  2. Educational Pathway Review: Speakers (including Prof Chris Louca) detailed the development and wealth of current educational opportunities, postgraduate training, and professional development courses available to dental therapists.
  3. Clinical and Corporate Case Studies: Inspirational dental therapists presented their career journeys, covering transitions from clinical practice to corporate roles (Colgate-Palmolive), specialized care (oncology patients), and establishing prestigious private aesthetic practices.
  4. Workforce Strategy Discussion: Sessions explored factors shaping the profession and future opportunities, aiming to build a robust future workforce.
  5. Evening Gala and Fundraising: A diamond-studded black-tie presidential dinner was held, incorporating music and a menu reflecting the six decades of the profession, culminating in a charity raffle.

The technology discussed relates primarily to professional education, clinical practice management, and specialized dental care delivery within the UK healthcare sector.

Industry/SectorApplication AreaRelevant Speakers/Context
Dental EducationCurriculum Development & TeachingGeorgina Vero (Clinical Tutor, UoL), Prof Chris Louca (Director, UoP Dental Academy)
Specialized Clinical CareOncology Patient ManagementJoss Harding (Author, Clinical Ambassador for Mouth Cancer Foundation)
Aesthetic DentistryPrivate Practice DevelopmentKamran Rasul (Opening prestigious practice in Liverpool)
Corporate Dental ProductsBrand Management & Industry RolesJess Hulme (Group Brand Manager, Colgate-Palmolive)
Professional SupportMental Health & WelfareConfidential (Charity supported by raffle)
Publishing/ResourcesTextbooks and Professional GuidesJoss Harding’s seminal textbook: Care of the head and neck cancer patient
Training AcademiesContinuing Professional Development (CPD)Tipton Training, Smile Academy Training Academy