Professor Liz Kay, Patron of BDA Benevolent Fund, was delighted to welcome online participants and preside over the BDA Benevolent Fund's 139th AGM on 29 June, which was attended by over 30 people, thanks to easy online access.

Dr Ros Keeton, Chairman, gave her report detailing an increase in applications to the charity when compared with pre-pandemic levels: 'The same trend can be predicated for 2022. There has also been a shift in applications from younger dentists and dental students. The average age of applicants in 2021 was 31 years, compared to the late 40s in previous years'.

As part of the Chairman's report, Dr Keeton outlined a key research piece that the charity commissioned in 2021, to establish the needs of the dental student community.1

She said: 'This research has given the charity a clear call to action, in terms of the services we provide and how we should reach this key part of the dental community. We hope to continue the research again and will work with other people and partners, as a result of the 2021 findings'.

She referred people to the 2021 Annual Report and Accounts for a complete view of the charity's activities.2

Dr Keeton concluded her report by thanking those Trustees retiring at this AGM having given over 50 years of combined service:

  • Dr Allan Franklyn (20 years)

  • Dr Philip Henderson (16 years)

  • Dr Stuart Robson (16 years).

She also thanked the BDA Benevolent Fund staff, the BDA, LDCs, companies and individuals for all their support, whose time and funds have helped the charity to provide support for the dental community.

Dr Chris Hayward presented the Treasurer's Report, highlighting a fall in income in 2021 compared to 2020. This was explained in part because of the drop in LDC contributions received in 2021 compared to the exceptional uplift in 2020.

The final business of the AGM was to elect four new Trustees to the Board. There were four submissions of interest and each candidate was voted on by the members.

The new Trustees are: Dr Shafaq Ali, Dr Richard Hems, Dr Derek Manson and Dr Meena Shykhon.

Dr Keeton said: 'We look forward to working with a new team to progress the aims and objects of the charity'.

The date of the next AGM is 28 June 2023.