As president of the BADT, I have learnt of late that my world of dentistry very much expands beyond my places of work. This recent expectation upon me to attend as many conferences as I can has become a key part of my professional development – both as a representative of dental therapists and as a clinician. Travelling to meetings far and wide – the Dentistry Show, the BDA Conference, EuroPerio to name but a few – has broken down boundaries in a profession I often felt had little understanding of what dental therapists had to offer in the delivery of dental care. Talking among colleagues, I understand that many of us face an on-going battle in the workplace to utilise all the skills a dental therapist is qualified to undertake; skills that we all worked hard to achieve. But, discussions with representatives of the BDA, with chief dental officers and with fellow members of our profession from abroad, for example, have offered up opportunities that are helping in the BADT's endeavours to raise the profile of the role of the dental therapist. With luck and perseverance, this engagement with others may empower us all in our bid to change the mindset of the profession and enable us to carry out the treatments set out in the GDC's Scope of Practice.

Fresh ways of thinking

The job of a dental professional is a lonely one; we only really having one-to-one conversations with the patients we treat and it is easy to carry on ‘doing dentistry’ as we have always done, without opening up our minds to fresh ways of thinking and to new clinical skills. Sometimes, taking time out of practice to attend meetings seems to add pressure to our already busy working lives and prove costly if we have to surrender precious hours to do so. But, your attendance at dental conferences is important. It is an essential vehicle to learning – and, often, these meetings provide the perfect opportunity to gain verifiable CPD hours, mix with your colleagues, hear new thinking from key speakers and experience hands-on clinical sessions.

Your future, your hands

The BADT is making it easy for you to share knowledge and experience with others. With all eyes on the future role of the dental therapist, when Birmingham will play host to Your Future, Your Hands, the BADT Conference this year (25–26 September). It offers a unique programme looking to the future of dental therapy, along with hands-on sessions combining theory and practical skills.

Taking place at Aston Conference Centre, the two-day event promises a look at the road ahead for us all, with opportunities to hear from some inspiring speakers and learn new skills in some challenging hand-on clinical sessions. Highlights include former Chief Dental Officer for England, Barry Cockcroft – who, it was announced recently, has joined the board of the IDH Group as a non-executive director – discussing What Now?, as he looks at the part DCPs can – and should – play in improving oral health and services in the future; Dev and Amit Patel of Dental Circle, who will address the issues of Posting online and building a clinical portfolio – a reminder of the GDC Standards; Amit Patel, looking at Peri Implantitis: A Future Timebomb; and Dr Anousheh Alavi, specialist in periodontology and Scientific Affairs Manager for Colgate, who will review the key elements of oral health assessment with regards the diagnosis and management of periodontal diseases. Let's all make a small step out beyond the four walls of our workplace and, in doing so, make a massive stride towards promoting our role and skillmix.

Early bird rates

  • Members £190.00 (presidential dinner £50.00)

  • Newly qualified/ student members £150.00 (presidential dinner £50.00)

  • Non-members £220.00 (presidential dinner £60.00)

These early bird rates are only available until 28 August 2015.

Friday is dedicated to lectures, followed by a series of hands-on workshops throughout Saturday. On registration, delegates will be able to select a workshop of their choice on a first come, first served basis. The presidential dinner takes place on Friday evening and tickets are available online. For further information and to make your secure payment, visit www.badt.org.uk or telephone 0161 665 5878.