BADN Presidential Column by Jacqui Elsden, President 2019-2022

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©Michell Brand & Emma Anastasi

BADN President Jacqui Elsden (right) with Past Presidents (from left) Paula Sleight, Angie McBain-Heilmann and Hazel Coey

Despite being in my third and final year as the British Association of Dental Nurses' (BADN's) president, this was my first time representing BADN at the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show. The global pandemic has a lot to answer to! Historically BADN host the Dental Nurses' Forum and therefore as current president, I was responsible for chairing the whole event and this year it was kindly sponsored by GSK.

We enjoyed two days filled with amazing speakers together with meeting so many dental nurses (members and non-members) who came to visit us at our stand to chat, discuss dental nursing matters, and enjoy a cup of coffee and cake at our Lounge, sponsored by RA Medical Ltd.

I was thrilled to be able to introduce a strong programme for dental nurses which included Jo Dawson, Preetee Hylton, Jo Dawber, Bee Power, Hannah Grieves, Rebecca Silver, Anthony Sweeney, Janet Pickles, Lin Little, Sharon Brennan and Joanne Rewcastle who delivered presentations on subjects as diverse as domestic abuse, the RADC Reserves and oral healthcare in pregnancy. We are particularly proud of the fact that more than half of the speakers were fellow dental nurses sharing their wealth of knowledge and experiences with the audience. My personal thanks goes to all of them and to our sponsors GSK and RA Medical Ltd, and the individual presentation sponsors: GSK, Aura Infection Control Ltd, RPA Dental, CFC Underwriting Ltd, RA Medical Ltd, the GDC, the Royal Army Dental Corps (RADC), myDentist, BUPA, and NEBDN.

More than half of the speakers were fellow dental nurses sharing their experiences...

Whilst I was busy chairing the Dental Nurses' Forum, visitors to the stand were able to chat with BADN's Chief Executive, Pam Swain, and IT/Comms Admin Adam Skalski, as well as Chair Joan Hatchard, Treasurer Michelle Brand and President-elect Debra Worthington. There were plenty of conversations around dental nurse issues and concerns and they were able to provide answers and reassurance as well as signpost them to information on topics such as careers, indemnity, networking, health and wellbeing as well as the menopause. BADN have supported dental nurses for more than 80 years and I am sure we will be the professional association of choice for dental nurses for the next 80 years.

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©Michell Brand & Emma Anastasi

NEBDN CEO Kate Kerslake (left) with Preetee Hylton, Emma Anastasi, Jacqui Elsden, Alis Fleming and Jo Dawson

Long service awards

At the delayed face to face afternoon tea to celebrate BADN's 80th birthday, I was delighted to award long-service membership badges to Michelle Brand (five years), Jenny Wood (ten years) and Paula Sleight (25+ years). I was also pleased to present past Presidents Hazel Coey, Angie McBain and Paula Sleight with an 80th anniversary brooch each to mark the occasion.

I also presented Chief Executive Pam Swain with a gold bangle from members of the Executive Committee, past and present, and Past Presidents, to mark 30 years of working for BADN. Pam was also made an Honorary Life Member of the Association.

I look forward to seeing you all at next year's show for more networking, learning and celebrating our dental nurse profession - 12 and 13 May 2023, Hall 5, Birmingham NEC.

For more information about joining BADN please contact us at enquiries@BADN.org.uk or call 01253 338366.