Miller will formally assume presidency of the Association on April 10 at its annual conference in Manchester. He will be the BDA’s 128th President, succeeding Barry McGonigle.
For over 20 years Miller was a partner in a mainly NHS dental practice in Taunton and he brings extensive experience in the clinical and education sectors to the role of president. From 1997 to 2013 he held the position of regional postgraduate dental dean at the University of Bristol where he was also programme director for the University’s Open Learning for dentists Diploma programme. In 2009 he was the first dentist to become Fellow of the Academy of Medical Educators. From 2007 to 2010 he was consultant to the Peninsula Dental School. He currently sits on the Council of the MDU and is the interim chair of the Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset and South Gloucestershire Dental Local Professional Network.
Miller served on the BDA’s Representative Body from 1986 to 2012. Until October last year he was chairman of the BDA’s Western Counties Branch and has previously served as its president. He also been an active member of the BDA’s education committee for ten years and served on a variety of tasks groups and advisory boards within the dental education and training arena.
His inauguration speech is expected to focus on how dentists can adapt to a challenging environment whilst championing professionalism and maintaining high standards of care.
Commenting on his inauguration Miller said:
“It is an honour to be taking up the Presidency of the Association and I look forward to acting as an ambassador for the profession in what are challenging times for it. During my year as president I will champion the profession and its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of patient care and professional excellence.”
In addition to his inauguration speech at the Conference Miller will also present the Presidential lecture on Life, Learning & Leadership in which he will discuss the factors that contribute to successful learning and self-development, exploring how to let go of unproductive habits whilst acquiring new ones that will get you and your team to where you want to be. He will consider how these principles relate to the dental profession, drawing examples from the latest research. The lecture takes place at 5pm on Thursday April 10 in Charter Room 2.