Laura Assassa, BDA Student Marketing Manager, gives an overview of the support we provide for dental students during the Coronavirus crisis.

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With dental school closures, social distancing and harrowing newspaper headlines, it feels like we are living in an apocalyptic film where the final chapter is yet to be written. Coronavirus has affected so many parts of society - dental students included, so here at the BDA, we are working flat out to support the dental profession as much as we can. We've been lobbying Government for more PPE, urgently pressing the Chancellor for further financial support for the profession and providing advice for dentists redeployed to work in hospitals. We've also been working closely with our Student Committee to put together advice for students on dental education and information about your rights if you have lost your part-time job. Read our advice at bda.org/coronavirus

Free counselling service

There is a huge amount happening right now and we understand this is a particularly stressful time for students. To support your mental health, we have set up a 'Health Assured' programme that is completely free for all members. This confidential counselling service is designed to help you deal with personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home life or student life, health or general wellbeing. The service includes a telephone helpline, staffed by qualified counsellors, that you can access 24/7, 365 days a year. When social distancing measures are lifted, face-to-face counselling sessions will also be available.

Find out more at bda.org/healthassured

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Free online library

With dental schools now closed, online resources become even more important. We have the largest dental library in Europe and many of our services are available online. This includes an eLibrary with over 400 dental textbooks you can download for free, revision bundles to help you prepare for exams and eJournals, to keep you up to speed with the latest research.

We have the largest dental library in Europe and many of our services are available online

It's easy to access the eLibrary:

  1. 1.

    Go to the BDA library catalogue: bda.org/ebooks

  2. 2.

    Click on the book you would like to download

  3. 3.

    Log in with your BDA membership number and library PIN (if you are doing this for the first time email library@bda.org to get your PIN)

  4. 4.

    Enjoy reading your textbook!

Check out the books we have available at bda.org/ebooks

A look to the future

Whilst we can't predict how the Coronavirus pandemic will conclude - or how long it will last - we can assure you that we are here to support dentists and dental students throughout this crisis. We are the voice of dentistry and our role is to represent the profession - speaking on your behalf to the Government, the NHS and patients at this critical time. Look out for regular updates on our Coronavirus live page and stay safe. We've got your back because together, we are stronger.

Laura Assassa