Despite the unavoidable two-year interlude, the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show (BDCDS) 2022 came back stronger than ever. Thousands of professionals gathered at the Birmingham NEC for two busy days of learning and networking, creating an incredibly positive atmosphere for all to enjoy.

The extensive programme offered a wealth of information and inspiration, with an array of truly stand-out sessions for all members of the dental team. Theatres were full and audiences engaged, with delegates making the most of opportunities to hear from world-class speakers for free.

As anticipated, the BDA Theatre was a massive hit with delegates, with the exceptional speaker line-up drawing a full crowd every time. Among the well-received sessions was Dr Finlay Sutton discussing techniques for crafting complete and partial dentures, to which delegates responded with great interest. After the session, Chloe Richardson, GDP from St Mary’s Dental Practice, said:

“He was an excellent speaker. He provided fantastic tips which are appropriate for day-to-day use in general practice, as well as aspirational goals for the future. Also, it was great to bring in mindfulness and importance of sharing ‘heartsink cases’ as well as our successes.”

About the BDA Theatre in general, Liz Ahearn, dentist from Perfect Smile, commented:

“The Theatre has been very good with a good mixture of topics.”

As one of the other speakers in the BDA Theatre to attract a huge audience, Dr Amit Patel said:

“It’s been amazing to interact with people face-to-face again. I feel very lucky to lecture in the BDA Theatre – it’s very nice that people want to listen about perio, there are many great speakers!”

The BACD Aesthetic & Digital Dentist Theatre proved just as popular with delegates, who were treated to a comprehensive programme covering all aspects of cosmetic dentistry. Drs Riaz Yar, Sanjay Sethi and Nikhil Sethi discussed functional indirect posterior onlays in one particularly well-attended session, about which delegate Anna Jankowska, dentist from Ripley Family Dental Centre, said:

“The session was great! Fantastic protocols, clearly explained. The speakers were very knowledgeable and made the lecture fun.”

Delegates had access to an array of further presentations delivered through the BAPD Private Dentist Theatre, Speciality Interest Theatre, Next Generation Conference, Core CPD Theatre, Compliance Clinic and Aligner Lounge. The Dental Business Theatre and Business Skills Workshops offered insight into business aspects of running a dental practice, with experts in the field providing many useful tips and tricks for practice owners and managers to utilise.

For team members, there were also theatres dedicated to dental nurses and dental hygienists and therapists. Each programme was tailored specifically for individuals in the roles, with support from their professional representative organisations – BADN, BADT and BSDHT.

Rebecca Power, speaker in the Dental Nurse’s Forum, said:

“I loved the Dental Nurse’s Forum setting. All venue staff were great and supportive – and the BDCDS team were amazing. I would 100% recommend and would love to attend the theatre again.”

Having attended several sessions in the Hygienist & Therapist Symposium, dental hygienist Mrs J Dudley-Ford from Cumbria, commented:

“I’ve had a lovely day, gained lots of interesting information and it’s an easy way to get good CPD. Everyone’s really friendly, good stand holders and freebies. I’m going home excited to get back into surgery. I have attended the show many times and will be back.”

Aside from hours of CPD, BDCDS presented an extensive trade exhibition with hundreds of dental manufacturers, suppliers, training providers and so much more in attendance. Delegates were able to discover the latest products and materials, engage with product experts, enjoy on-stand competitions, obtain free samples and access show-only promotions. The bustling atmosphere made for a very positive environment that reflected the joy at finally returning to large-scale, in-person events.

As such, delegate feedback from the event so far has been amazing. Jenna Keenan, dentist from Compton House Dental Practice, commented:

“A good range of stands and information available, which is relevant to my practice. I really enjoyed the talks I attended, which were informative and helped to enhance my clinical knowledge.”

Jill Young, dental hygienist from Coleshill Dental Care, said:

“I think BDCDS is excellent. I have been attending for many years and have missed attending in-person due to lockdown, so it is good to be back.”

Mrs Jane Samways, dentist from {my}dentist, said:

“I am having such a fantastic time at the conference. There is a vast array of excellent speakers. I am sensing a palpable air of excitement that we have the conference back after a two-year absence!”

Donna Waugh, lead dental nurse from Bupa Dental Care, commented:

“As my first visit to this show, I have found it very informative. The lectures are well run and the speakers are friendly and very knowledgeable. The free samples and CPD are a bonus – great atmosphere too!”

C. Oldfield, dentist at Sandygate Dental, added:

“Excellent content from a broad range of speakers and wide-ranging stands – including ones I would not have considered visiting before. Good show organisation as well, I would recommend BDCDS.”

All who attended BDCDS will likely agree that the profession seems ready to move on from the past couple of years and look forward to a much brighter future. It was an excellent opportunity to bring everyone together again and provide a springboard for individual’s career development over the coming year.

The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2023 will be held on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th May, NEC Birmingham, co-located with DTS.

For more information, visit birmingham.dentistryshow.co.uk, or email dentistry@closerstillmedia.com