Something to Smile about

DA & C Houston and Associates of North Somerset are the winners of 'A Smile for the Next Generation' competition.

The team pose above with athlete Kriss Akabusi (centre) who presented the award.

The practice's philosophy that every patient should be treated as an individual was judged as best representing the aims of the Smile campaign. The competition was supported by the BDA, sponsored by Stafford Miller and part of ITV's Year of Promise.

First Female Chief Dental Officer for N.I.

Ms Doreen Wilson has been appointed as the first female Chief Dental Officer of the Northern Ireland Executive.

Ms Wilson's role will involve advising the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety on all matters relating to dentistry.

Ms Wilson, 53, graduated from Edinburgh University in 1971. After qualifying, she worked in Edinburgh and then spent a year in Ethiopia in a voluntary capacity. Returning home, she bought a practice in Donaghadee and combined this with sessional work in the School of Dentistry in Belfast. In 1997, she was elected President of the BDA in Northern Ireland.

Ms Wilson joined the Department in 1995. Outlining the challenges ahead, she said: 'I look forward to working with the profession to make oral health relevant to all the community. We have a very poor history of dental health here, and I would hope to reverse that trend by looking at more innovative ways of providing dental services.'

Dentist takes two

Two practices run by dentist Harai Virdee in Leceister have been recognised as Investors in People.

Dr Harai Virdee is pictured with Tejpal Virdee (centre) and MP Patricia Hewitt right. His staff pose in the background.

Harai, Principle of Home Farm Dental Surgery and Evington Road Practice, said that achieving the standard has helped both his business performance and his own professional performance as manager.

Vacancies on BDA Representative Body

Two seats have become vacant on the BDA Representative Body for a member to represent the East of Scotland Branch and for a member to represent the Hospitals Group for the remainder of the 2000-2003 triennium.

The Representative Body sets the policy direction for the BDA and elects its Executive Board. Any member of the Hospitals Group may stand for the seat to represent their Group and any member of East of Scotland Branch may stand to represent their Branch. Nominations must be in writing and supported by three Branch or Group Members.

Further information and nomination forms are available from: Veronica Branton, BDA, 64 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8YS (tel: 020 7563 4188) or v.branton@bda-dentistry.org.uk and should be returned no later than Monday 8 January 2001.

Nominees may also wish to submit an election address of no more than 200 words. In the event of a seat being contested a postal ballot will be conducted.