The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) has reported that the 2023 poster competition, sponsored by Colgate, was an unequivocal success.

Members of the profession were invited to submit an abstract in advance of the Oral Health Conference (OHC). The BSDHT was thrilled to receive a total of 12 entries, ten of which were forwarded to the final judging stage.

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The BSDHT said: ‘We are delighted to report that the quality of submissions surpassed our expectations, showcasing remarkable creativity, skill and passion for their subject matter. All posters were prominently displayed in the hall of the Oral Health Conference Bournemouth for public viewing and attracted a steady stream of conference delegates interested in the high-quality content.

‘The diversity of ideas and artistic interpretations made the judging process both challenging and inspiring. It was evident that each participant invested considerable effort and thought into their submissions, which also made the final selection process incredibly rewarding. The judging of the posters, held on the last day of the conference, attracted a wide audience.

‘The impact and success of this poster competition underscores the importance of continuing to support and promote initiatives that encourage creativity and professional involvement. It is evident that the participation and engagement generated by this competition within our community is welcomed. It served as a platform to showcase the exceptional talent in our profession.'

The judges were Dr Marina Harris, Mrs Simone Ruzario and Mrs Emma Bingham. The winners were as follows:

Vaida Kaunaite

Poster: ‘Beyond bouncing back: Exploring undergraduate dental profession students' perceptions of resilience'.

Laura McClune

Poster: ‘A mixed method study to establish the current level, nature and attitude to the provision of treatment under direct access for dental hygienists and dental therapists who are members of the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy.'

Clare Haylett

Poster: ‘What intervention delivery methods are the most advantageous at improving the oral health of prisoners and the efficacy of prison dental services?'

Details of the winners were included in the January 2024 issue of the BSDHT's journal Dental Health.