Newcastle University's Director of Paediatric Dentistry, Professor Paula Waterhouse has been welcomed in as the new British Society of Paediatric Dentistry President for 2023/4, taking over from Dr Jenny Harris.

As well as her academic and teaching work, Professor Waterhouse has taken a leadership role in driving a refreshed curriculum perspective that has anti-racism, diversity and inclusivity at the heart of its spirit and content. This is a direction which BSPD embraces and the Society's intention during her Presidential year is to support Paula's work to help other dental schools, associations and institutes planning to go through a similar process.

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Professor Paula Waterhouse said: 'Equality, diversity and inclusion are existing priorities for BSPD, and work is ongoing to consult with members to ensure broad representation and content. So, I am looking forward to my year as President as an opportunity to share the ED&I research and recommendations I have been leading at Newcastle University.

'We know that vulnerable children are bearing the brunt of health inequities in our country. Making sure from the outset that every piece of teaching content, every message and every image reflect the diversity of our patients is key. We must respect, our broad national community to help the generations of vulnerable children to come to grow up supported by the good and fair paediatric oral health services they deserve. Unconscious bias is a barrier that paediatric dentistry must tackle - and I am delighted that BSPD will be taking on this challenge in earnest during my Presidential year.'