'The principles on which the Association was based will ensure that both the BDA and the dental profession emerge from these troubled times stronger and better fitted to serve the people of the UK.'

Ladies and Gentlemen, Immediate Past President, I cannot pretend to be surprised at becoming President, I have had a year to get ready, but I was not prepared for how I would feel at this moment. I am bursting with pride and filled with humility. OK, pride wins!

No one stands in my position here today because of their own efforts alone, so please allow me to publicly thank those whose influences have brought me here.

Barrie Aron, my classmate and friend who persuaded me that a career in dentistry was the most wonderful choice and that Edinburgh was the perfect place to be a student. You were so right. Thank you.

To my fellow dental students in Edinburgh 1957-1962, who taught me that I was not a good enough poker player, that sooner or later work had to be done and that it was high time I grew up and accepted responsibility. Thank you.

To my teachers then and since whose dedication and determination ensured I obtained that skill and knowledge which has enabled me to enjoy my career so much. Thank you.

To John Howarth, who gave me my first job and a perfect model of what is now known as vocational training, taking me to BDA functions, Manchester Medical Society and other professional organisations in the area and teaching me to play a responsible part in professional life. Thank you.

To Louis Miller who involved me in the LDC, made me Chairman and then GDSC rep, mostly without me realising what was happening. Thank you.

To the late Norman Whitehouse and his staff at Wimpole Street including Diana Scarrot, Michael Watson, Linda Wallace and Stephen Hancocks, who at a time of crisis for the Association were faced with me, newly elected and with almost no experience at that level. They nursed me, guided me and protected me through my years as Chairman of the GDSC. Thank you.

To my long-suffering friend and partner Peter King, who carried the practice while I was gallivanting around government offices playing Mr Dentistry, with never a word of complaint. He is still carrying me. Thank you.

To my wife Jacqueline and my children who put up with an absent dad, and to the profession of dentistry. Thank you.

This is a very difficult period in the history of the dental profession in the UK. There have been changes before, there have been problems before, but never have there been so many at the same time. Last month saw the anniversary of the first year of the 'new contract' for primary care NHS services in England and Wales, with similar upheavals in Scotland and Northern Ireland. This has caused enormous stress throughout the profession and the British Dental Association has worked tirelessly to help.

A year ago we celebrated 50 years of self-regulation of the dental profession in the UK. The record of the GDC was praised by all. Now we are to be regulated by appointees. We are not to be trusted to use democratic means. Time will tell, but the record is one we can be proud of.

At the same time there has been a massive shift in the source of funding for the provision of dental care, from almost total government via the NHS to almost 50% private through patients and plans. Where are we to turn in times like these? Where do we find the knowledge, the experience and the organisation to represent the interests of practitioners? The answer is the British Dental Association.

I am happy to be able to say that the BDA has never been better prepared to deal with the situation. We have more members, we have more highly-trained and dedicated staff and more able and determined elected officers than ever before in our history, who will lead our profession through the difficult days ahead. The principles on which our Association was based, Representation, Education and Fellowship, will ensure that both the BDA and the dental profession will emerge from these troubled times stronger and better fitted to serve the people of the UK.

Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for making me President.