Key event

As we approach this year's British Dental Association Conference (Manchester from Thursday, May 19 to Saturday, May 21), I reflect back on earlier conferences I attended and the fond memories I have of meeting colleagues from every discipline in the profession as well as old friends and people I haven't seen for some time but either arrange to meet at the conference or unintentionally bump into.

This key event in the dental calendar appeals to me because I get to hear inspirational lectures on treatment plans and to receive updates on clinical topics I do not usually have the opportunity to hear. This year I am looking forward to hearing from renowned UK and international speakers, such as Raymond Bertoletti and Richard Simonsen.

Besides the opportunity for a great learning experience, another compelling reason for attending is the social interaction element linked to these events, which I find equally rewarding. The conference provides a chance to meet old friends and an opportunity to create new friendships. This sense of camaraderie probably means even more to those of us who work in small practices, as we can feel somewhat isolated in our surgeries. Often there are not many colleagues to discuss issues with and sometimes those who are there with you on a daily basis are not the most appropriate people to talk to.