The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) was created to help dentists of all experience levels gain valuable new skills in the area of cosmetic dentistry. Not only do members benefit from a wealth of exciting educational opportunities, but they also get the chance to network with a group of friendly and enthusiastic “wet fingered” dental professionals all passionate about cosmetic dentistry and becoming better at what they do.
Hitesh Panchal has been a member of the BACD for many years, and has found it has been a great help in developing his career in cosmetic dentistry. Alongside his wife Deepa Vakil, Hitesh has recently opened a brand-new practice – Dental at MediaCityUK – a state-of-the-art facility designed to offer a full range of dental services to patients in Salford Quays.
“I qualified from Leeds University in 2002,” says Hitesh. “I then completed my vocational training in Lytham St. Annes, where I still work on a part-time basis. Since my wife and I got married we had always dreamed of opening our own practice, and so started on our project to open a practice in Salford Quays, in the heart of the new MediaCityUK development where BBC studios have moved up from London. The aim was to create an advanced private practice offering ‘top end’ treatment, including cosmetics as well as facial aesthetics such as botox and dermal fillers. This model fits in quite well with our media clientele, and business is picking up far quicker than we might have anticipated!”
Away from his practice commitments, Hitesh has a keen interest in further education. He has already achieved membership of the FGDP, and has also completed a Diploma in Postgraduate Dental Studies at the University of Bristol, as well as a Restorative Diploma from the FGDP. Hitesh is aiming to achieve his fellowship from the FGDP and become an accredited BACD member in the near future.
“Since I qualified as a dentist just over 10 years ago now I’ve done various postgraduate qualifications,” continues Hitesh, “all of which have given me a good grounding in restorative dentistry. To further enhance my understanding of cosmetics, I undertook Cosmetic Dentistry and Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry course run by Chris Orr. It was through Chris that I first became involved with the BACD, and gained an even greater insight into the many possibilities cosmetic dentistry has to offer!
“My first real ‘taste’ of the BACD came when I attended the Annual Conference a few years back. I remember thinking to myself just how refreshing it was to meet likeminded people all hugely passionate about cosmetic dentistry. The conference really is a fantastic way of meeting different people and networking. It’s also been a great way of gaining new friends within the profession, learning different techniques and swapping tips.
“One of the major benefits from my own point of view is the inspiration I find I can draw from the speakers. As a dentist you often find you are exposed to numerous different dental magazines and journals showing different ‘gurus’ advanced cosmetic procedures. When you go to the BACD Annual Conference, however, and hear these people speak and then get to speak to them on a personal level, you see they are actually all really ‘down to earth’ people you can relate to, and you soon learn with a bit of effort you can produce as high a standard of work as they can!
As well as the Annual Conference in November, the BACD also organises a number of Regional Meetings throughout the year where members can attend lectures in locations that are far closer to home.
“The BACD Regional Meetings are just great,” says Hitesh. “In the past I’ve found such events always tend to happen down south, but the BACD is introducing Regional Meetings right across the UK. For example I recently attended my local Regional Meeting in Manchester, hosted by [BACD President-elect] Julian Caplan. For me, these events are a great opportunity to learn from renowned speakers while also networking with local dentists. Ultimately it’s all about building relationships and sharing in knowledge.”
Since it was founded in 2003, the BACD has grown to become one of the most recognised and well-respected organisations in UK dentistry. With an ever-growing member base, the BACD provides a clear educational pathway for new members keen to progress their careers in cosmetic dentistry. Members start as an associate member and may then progress to become a full member on completion of sufficient continuing education. From there, members may then opt to become accredited members, and ultimately can aim to achieve Fellowship, the highest and final stage on the BACD’s Career Pathway in Cosmetic Dentistry.
“For me, the BACD has a lot of value to it,” continues Hitesh. “The organisation helps me keep on top of all the latest techniques in the field and pushes me to become better at what I do. I really cannot recommend the BACD enough.
“When you have your own practice you sometimes become stuck inside your own practice ‘bubble’. You’re so engrossed in ensuring the practice is working, making sure the administrative tasks are completed that you forget that there is another world out there – there are other people doing the same thing and who are willing to share.
“What I love about the BACD is just how open and friendly everyone is. By speaking to colleagues in the BACD I’ve managed to gain a number of really useful contacts that have helped me set up my new practice in Salford Quays. Without the BACD it’s fair to say I wouldn’t be the dentist I am today.”