Dr Nigel Robb, the current programme director, and Mr Alasdair Miller, the previous Programme Director, introduced the proceedings and welcomed the continued success of the programme. Each of those successful candidates who were able to attend had provided a brief citation covering both professional and personal life. Listening to these being read out highlighted the quality of the students who demonstrated a range of professional activities and outside interests.
The number of candidates who have been awarded the Diploma in Dental Postgraduate Studies now stands at 906. We are looking forward to welcoming the 1000th diplomate in the near future.
The successful diplomates were congratulated on their achievements by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Professor Jonathan Sandy (who was previously the Head of the School of Oral and Dental Sciences). Following this, a prize giving ceremony took place. This was to recognise the success and outstanding achievements for students on specific units within the BUOLD programme.
The Schottlander Prize is awarded to the student who performs best in the Prosthetics Unit of the course. The prize was presented to Laurie Powell by Sarah Bain, the Interim Head of the School of Oral and Dental Sciences.
The Laurence Oldham prize which was awarded for the best performance in the Oral Surgery Units was presented by Mr Oldham himself. Mr Oldham has been a great supporter of the BUOLD Programme having being involved in the development and delivery of the original Oral Surgery unit for approximately 24 years. During the academic year 2013-14 he also stood in for the Unit Lead of the new Surgical Skills 1 course. The prize for the year 2012-13 was presented to Pamela Ray, and for 2013-14 to Nick Gibbs.
Lloyd & White sponsor a prize for the best student in Business Management Skills. The award was presented by Matthew Pyke who is the CEO of Lloyd & White. The winner in 2013 was Paula Souto, and for 2014 was Mark Dermont.
The Marsh Midda Prize is awarded in memory of the late Marsh Midda, who was Professor of Periodontology at the University of Bristol. A larger than life character who is remembered by all who met him. His widow, Mrs Brenda Midda, attended the reception and presented the prize to Ruth Walker.
Professor Sandy closed the proceedings by congratulating all of the successful diplomates and thanking the families of the students past and present for their support. He reminded all the diplomates that they were now members of the University of Bristol community, and hoped that they would maintain their contacts with the institution.
Professor Sandy also thanked Dana Nedoszytko, the BUOLD Programme Administrator and Amy Gould, the Orthodontic Postgraduate Programme Administrator for organising the day.
Following a photograph of the group on the steps on the Victoria Rooms in the February sunshine, the event concluded with Prosecco and canapés in the Recital Room.
Further information on the BUOLD programme is available from the web site or from the BUOLD Administrator (buold-office@bristol.ac.uk).
Next Academic year the following courses will be offered: -
Anxiety Management
Business Management Skills 1 & 2
Conscious Sedation
Endodontics
Full Denture Prosthetics
Law and Ethics
Local Anaesthesia
Periodontics
Surgical Skills 1 & 2
Details on the application process are available from buold-admissions@bristol.ac.uk