Georgina Vero reports on the 28th Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT) held in London in June.

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Saturday 17 June 2023 saw the 58th Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT). Held at the Leonardo Royal London City Hotel, this conference marked the Diamond Anniversary of the association, celebrating and reflecting on the prosperous 60-year history of dental therapy within the UK.

The programme for the day titled 'Reflections on the past to build a future workforce' saw a variety of guest speakers reflecting on their experiences as dental therapists from the very beginnings and the birthplace of dental therapy training, the famous New Cross School for Dental Therapists. Delegates were guided on an educational reflection through the history of dental therapy as Polly Munday reflected on the days of New Cross Dental Therapy training in the 1960s and gave insight into her career journey. Throughout the day delegates explored the factors which had been influential in shaping the profession and the practice of dental therapy to what we know it to be today. They were also guided towards the future and what it might hold for those in the profession, discussing new educational and professional development opportunities that are now available to dental therapists. The morning's guest speakers included the BADT President Debbie Hemington, Polly Munday, a retired New Cross graduate, and Jyoti Sumel, dental therapist of the year and Clinical Fellow for the Office of the Chief Dental Officer (OCDO).

Guests were treated to a diamond-studded black-tie celebration, with a menu chosen to represent a signature dish from each of the six decades of dental therapy from the 1960s to the modern day.

Long-standing BADT member Melonie Prebble then explored personal growth within the profession, followed by the excellent Professor Chris Louca, Director of the University of Portsmouth Dental Academy, who then went on to discuss with delegates the development and wealth of educational opportunities that are now open to dental therapists.

The morning was then concluded by Jag Deep from Tipton Training and Dr Jin Vaghela and Dr Kish Patel from Smile Academy Training Academy discussing their respective postgraduate training opportunities and courses for dental therapists.

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Current-day inspirational dental therapists led the afternoon programme. Jess Hulme opened the session by discussing her journey from dental therapist graduate to Group Brand Manager at Colgate-Palmolive. The fabulous Joss Harding then shared the incredible journey of her work with oncology patients and as a clinical ambassador for the Mouth Cancer Foundation, alongside the publication of her seminal textbook for dental therapists and hygienists, Care of the head and neck cancer patient. Finally, Kamran Rasul concluded the afternoon by taking delegates through his journey within aesthetic dentistry and opening his prestigious practice within the heart of Liverpool.

The evening presidential dinner then continued a fabulous day of dental therapy celebrations. Guests were treated to a diamond-studded black-tie celebration, with a menu chosen to represent a signature dish from each of the six decades of dental therapy from the 1960s to the modern day.

Music from each decade, along with lots of diamonds, made the evening a star-studded celebration to remember. Throughout the evening, generous members and guests raised a staggering £1,367 via a charity raffle to support the president's chosen charity, Confidential, which provides a support helpline for and is run by dental professionals.

On behalf of the President, I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the BADT Council, our members, the inspirational speakers and delegates, and finally, our fabulous sponsors that made this celebratory weekend sparkle. Here's to the next 60 years of dental therapy.

As the editorial officer for the BADT Georgina is always keen to support and hear from her fellow professionals. If you have any news or research that you would like to share with the profession and BADT members please email her at editor@badt.org.uk.

For a review of Joss Harding's book, visit https://www.nature.com/articles/s41407-023-1783-8.