Leaders from the British Dental Association and BDA Benevolent Fund met on 5 September 2018 to discuss differing opinions about proposals which had been put forward for consideration at this year's BDA Ben Fund's AGM on 18 September 2018.

The BDA felt that the changes proposed by Trustees could have serious implications for the Fund's future. In particular, the BDA were concerned that the proposed amendments would:

  • Remove the need to be a dentist in order to be a member

  • Give the current trustees a veto over anyone they do not wish to be a member, and therefore control who will be the trustees of the future

  • Change the requirement that rule changes must be approved by at least three-quarters of the members at an AGM to a simple majority.

The BDA felt that these changes would mean that a future board of trustees could, therefore, in theory restrict membership to those who would support the current board, remove all dentists from membership and change by a simple majority the purpose of the charity from supporting dentists to another charitable purpose.

However, following a meeting between BDA leaders and the BDA Benevolent Fund, held as this issue of the BDJ went to press on 5 September, the Trustees agreed to postpone the resolutions originally put forward for discussion at this year's AGM to allow further opportunity for consideration and review. It was decided that reform of the Ben Fund should be developed in partnership and revised proposals would instead be taken forward at the 2019 AGM.

A joint statement from Eddie Crouch, Vice Chair, British Dental Association, and Professor Ros Keeton, Chair, BDA Ben Fund, said:

'We are delighted to report there is a shared commitment to work together with common ground reached regarding the changes to the charity's membership, board size and administrative processes.

'In recent weeks, both organisations have been encouraged by the interest shown by members. It is clear the dental profession value the unique role the Fund plays, and all want to ensure it continues to help all dentists, dental students and their families in need.

'In that spirit, we have pledged to work closely to ensure practical proposals can instead be put forward at the Fund's AGM in 2019.

'We recognise this profession is under pressure as never before and the BDA Benevolent Fund are continuing in their commitment to ensure one off or ongoing financial assistance is given to those when they face hardship.'

The next BDA Benevolent Fund AGM meeting takes place at 3.30 pm on 18 September 2018 in London.

Details of the AGM are available at: https://www.bdabenevolentfund.org.uk/about-us/agm/ (accessed on 6 September 2018).