Programme
The event offered delegates a packed three-day programme of international and UK guest speakers, seminars and discussion sessions. Highlights included four sessions from leading US aesthetics practitioner, Robert Lowe, presentations from Belgian adhesive expert Prof Bart Van Meerbeek, and sessions from Mark Hunter of the University of Manchester and Ian Buckle, director of Dawson Academy UK.
Delegates also enjoyed a full programme of sessions to help them run their practices, including three interactive sessions on the development of new contractual arrangements led by John Milne, chair of the BDA’s General Dental Practice Committee.
The Department of Health Minister Earl Howe used the conference to announce a new taskforce to look at how dental services and outcomes can be improved for vulnerable patients and individuals who are not accessing care.
Exhibition
Visitors also had the opportunity to view the conference’s trade exhibition, which featured all the latest innovations in dental care, a full programme of live demonstrations and, for the first time, a mini-cinema showing archive oral health education films. The Dentist’s Charlotte Booth gives her highlights from the event:
“My first BDA Conference experience began with an early morning DLR ride with London commuters and dental enthusiasts. With a hall full of stands set up ready, delegates were never short of somewhere to go or something new and exciting to see.
Every exhibitor tried to spark visitor interest and lure delegates to their stands, this ranged from the ‘freebie’ samples of products or pens through to having their photo taken with Marilyn Monroe (a very good look-a-like).
With so much to do and so many things to see I was hard-pressed to decide which stands to visit and where to start. Bridge2aid’s stand caught my interest when I saw an exercise bike taking pride of place. Those looking to win a Bridge2aid T-shirt were given the opportunity to attempt the fastest kilometre... before too long it began to get competitive! Thursday’s fastest time was accomplished by Alex Handley with an impressive 53 seconds. This time proved hard to beat, on Friday the best effort was James Mead with a time of 55 seconds. The exercise bike was not just there to make dentists sweat, but to promote Bridge2Aid's Vic-Tri Challenge (a team challenge of 4828km beginning in June).
Colgate’s stand could not be missed with a rotating giant replica of its new toothbrush taking centre stage. Colgate gave visitors a sample of goodies in a handy travel bag as well as up to 69 per cent off on a selection of their electric toothbrushes for a limited time. It was also giving advice on optimum oral health and the best ways to achieve it with an array of leaflet information.
Oral B’s stand featured a Digital Plaque Image Analysis (DPIA) machine which takes a picture of the plaque on the teeth. Delegates were invited to have a picture taken before and after using Oral B products to demonstrate how effective the products are for the removal of plaque, it really is true that a picture speaks more than words.
It was about half way through the first day of the exhibition I began to worry; so many people were wanting me to brush my teeth or use mouthwash. I’m hoping it was just to allow me to try the products rather than me having a halitosis problem!
At the Johnson & Johnson stand delegates were given the opportunity to trial the new Cavity Guard mouthwash (released at the show). I was lucky enough to attend the press launch for this with Prof Helen Whelton and Maria Mantzourani. This launch included information on statistics of caries in children and adults across the country based on factors of how much and often people are brushing their teeth and consuming soft drinks.
The Philips stand also gained a lot of interest in new products by giving out 2,000 samples of the Sonicare AirFloss to interested delegates.
For all the freebies and information on offer the most obviously striking stand belonged to Genix. It enticed delegates with an array of characters, including Marilyn Monroe, a tooth mascot and the tooth fairy. Marilyn, in the famous white dress was on hand to pose with delegates (of course I got one for the album) and even sing a song or two over the course of the event.
The BDA Conference and Exhibition had a brilliant atmosphere, with all the delegates and exhibitioners demonstrating an impressive level of enthusiasm. There was a lot to see and learn and I’m sure I’m not the only one looking forward to attending next year.”
Reaction
Martin Fallowfield, chair of the BDA’s Principal Executive Committee, commenting after the event said: “Dentistry faces a challenging era, as we all recognise. But it is an inspiring testament to the dedication and commitment of dental team members to see the profession gather to discuss, confront and overcome those challenges. We are strongest when we are together.
“I want to thank the record numbers of dental team members from across the UK for coming together in London to make the event the huge success it was. I look forward to seeing everyone in Manchester next year.”