Stella Galer is an experienced dental hygienist and highly respected speaker who will be presenting in the Oral Health Theatre at BDIA Dental Showcase 2024 on Saturday 23 March at London ExCeL. The session will be delivered on behalf of the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT), exploring the links between obesity and oral health, as well as the dental team's role in improving patients' wellbeing.

figure 1

About the session, Stella said:

‘In the UK, rates of obesity have doubled since 1993 - today, approximately 30% of adults are living with obesity. There are many factors driving this, including the media, education, type of dental work, wider healthcare trends and genetics. One of the biggest obstacles for pursuing healthier diets or overall lifestyles is weight stigma, but finances, home circumstances and occupation are also considerations.

‘Accessibility to healthcare for patients living with obesity is another major contributor - this includes reduced availability of appointments within NHS dental practices and limited bariatric service provision. It is a particularly sensitive issue to discuss in the dental surgery. During my session, I will consider all these things in more detail and will offer some useful options to help colleagues tackle these conversations in the practice.

‘I would definitely encourage fellow professionals to attend BDIA Dental Showcase 2024. It is a fantastic opportunity for all members of the dental team to update their knowledge of the latest materials, equipment and techniques available, while also gaining CPD and interacting with the wider industry.'

Register for your free pass online today at https://dental-showcase-2024.reg.buzz/register-free-pr!