BADN Presidential Column by Joan Hatchard RDN LCGI FBADN, BADN Chairman

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Joan Hatchard (left) with Alexandra Nastase and Pam Swain

I was delighted to accompany BADN Chief Exec Pam Swain and our newest team member, Jacek Drozdek, to the Dentistry Show London at ExCel on 6 and 7 October. BADN were at stand B29, with a good view of the DCP Theatre - which was useful, as BADN had four speakers at the Theatre.

BADN President-elect Preetee Hylton RDN spoke on 'STIs - Signs for the Dental Team to Look Out For', explaining that dental professionals must be familiar with the oral signs of STIs and must be confident about providing advice on safer sex as part of oral health education.

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Preetee Hylton speaking at the event

Jo Clift of CFC Underwriting, providers of indemnity cover through the BADN members' scheme, explained what indemnity is, why it is important for dental nurses to hold it, key elements of cover, examples of claims, and what indemnity options are available for dental nurses in 'Indemnity - what is it and why do I need it?', which also covered the types of indemnity available and the differences between them, thereby enabling dental nurses to make an informed decision when choosing their indemnity.

Long time BADN member Rebecca Silver RDN MSc addressed 'Ethical challenges in dental nursing: Navigating complex situations with professional integrity' which covered intricate ethical issues in dental nursing, focusing on upholding professionalism, patient rights, and autonomy.

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Preetee Hylton (left) with Rebecca Silver

Former BADN Chair Dr Debbie Reed RDN EdD MSc BA (Hons) FHEA FCGDent, of the University of Kent outlined the results of her recent survey, conducted in collaboration with BADN, in 'Assessing the Results of the Dental Nurse Retention Survey 2023', which is due to be published this month. [Also see the BDJ Team article this October.]

We were very busy at the BADN stand, signing up new members who were taking advantage of our special Show offer of £5 off the membership fee plus entry into a draw for a £50 Amazon voucher, courtesy of CFC Underwriting. The winner of the draw was Princess Owusu-Boachiec who will receive her Amazon voucher in the post shortly. Congratulations and welcome to BADN!

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The BADN stand with new team member Jacek Drozdek (left)

A lot of people stopped by to chat…

If you couldn't make it to the 2023 Dentistry Show London, BADN will be at all four major Shows in 2024 - perhaps we'll see you then! In the meantime, dental nurses can join BADN at www.badn.org.uk/join, sign up for our e-newsletters at www.badn.org.uk/newsletter, come along to one of our Coffee Catch Ups or join us for afternoon tea (www.badn.org.uk/events).

BADN are pleased to have collaborated with BDJ Team on this special dental nurse focused issue and hope that readers enjoy it!