I am enjoying writing a regular column in the professions pages of The Probe magazine. The second of these includes my thoughts on what it is to be president of a dental society. You can read the article in full by following the link below.
Dentistry has many societies representing the various groups within it - and I have long been associated with the British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry. Back in the day I was a founder member of its Early Career Group – I’m not so sure that I qualify any more, although I am still hanging on to my youth with white knuckles and gritted teeth! Last year I was really pleased to be asked to be President of the BSP which led me to consider all that the role entails.
For sure, it is possible to accept the honour in name and pass your tenancy peacefully largely untroubled by its demands, but what would be the point of that? It’s very useful for getting better known of course – my referral clinic in the West Midlands (Barnt Green, South Birmingham) is unwittingly benefiting from the additional personal exposure – but that is a natural by-product of a position I take seriously. I’m determined to play a significant role, as far as it is physically possible when you count in the day job (if only it was confined to the day!) and life with a young family.
Different society presidents are in office for varying amounts of time. The BSP presidency allows a year for me to make my mark. I am hesitant to say ‘make a difference’ as the society is already excellent and my aim is to support it, be available to make decisions as required but also to add to its pedigree, without specifically changing its direction or making it inherently different. Both the society’s heritage and future are very close to my heart.
So how can I use my role to enhance the BSP? My immediate thoughts focus in three areas: the dental family; raising the public’s awareness and understanding of gum disease; and the changing times we live in. They’re all intertwined of course as everyone (those working in the dental sector and members of the public) is affected by external influences and world affairs.
In my previous article I talked about the importance of the dental team – and everyone in its sights – including: the patient; the referring dentist; through to every member of the clinical team. This is something I really want to concentrate on as I can include patient care, education and progress within this remit. As president I have a conference later this year (sneaky plug: it’s in October at the Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire, see BSP website) which is all about the strength within the team and how it all comes together successfully.
My second personal challenge, raising awareness of gum disease, is a permanently ongoing effort which tackles the challenge of reaching ‘everyone’ to relay the importance of oral health and specifically for us, gum disease and its systemic implications. We have a national collaboration on 12 May every year through ‘Gum Health Awareness Day’, a European initiative which the BSP proudly promotes. We work with societies across the world using one message and one theme to help strengthen the communications. It’s hard work but we believe each year’s energy adds to the cause.
The third area is unavoidable – looking at dentistry, specifically periodontics, within a global context and its influences. It would be great to write without mention of the Covid-19 pandemic but of course that’s not yet possible. But I’m not talking just about coronavirus and its variants but world events such as war and the economy. Everything interplays and, like domino sequences, has an effect in every direction. Obviously world events are a bit above my pay grade but I can bring together council members, involve other organisations, other societies, and be ready to face any consequences with a sensible, cohesive approach, just as many of the societies achieved during the Covid-19 outbreak. We have to watch, assess and act when it’s needed.
So with these thoughts in mind I am looking forward to helping bring people together; to work effectively; to remind people of the importance of oral health - but in a mindful and clear way as financial pressures and things much bigger than all of us continue to take the headlines.