We hosted a panel discussion on Tuesday 4 July 2023 in London as part of our 140th birthday celebrations following the AGM. The aim was for the Board and the audience to consider how the dental profession will evolve and look forward to the impact this may have on the organisation, its applicants, and its funding in the future.
The discussion was chaired by Dr. John Milne, Patron of the BDA Benevolent Fund. The panelists were Dr. Shawn Charlwood, Chair of GDPC, Dr. Jasneet Gulati, host of Protrusive Dental Podcast, Dr. Ola Hassan, a GDP and Trustee of UK and US-based charity Health-Point Foundation, and Dr. Gina Vega, Principal Dentist at Bishopsgate Dental and one of the BACD Board of Directors.
The discussion ranged from topics looking at the impact of AI and new technologies, the influence of the NHS, and the implications these could have on dental professionals, their wellbeing, and the ability to care for vulnerable patients. It was a lot to cover in just one hour and there was great audience participation.
What implications might the changes in dentistry mean for those who seek assistance from the Benevolent Fund and those that support it through donating and fundraising?
The BDA Benevolent Fund has been supporting dentists for 140 years and has only slightly changed over that time. The final question for the panel considered how it can stay relevant for the next century considering these changes and if it would still be needed.
There was a concern amongst the panelists about whether enough of the profession would still be contributing to the Charity in the future.
There will still be a need, but will it still be here?
It was noted BDA Branches and Sections seem less active and younger people are typically not as involved with the Charity as previous generations which has already had an implication on donations received. Without support from the profession, the Charity is at risk.
There were many contributions from the floor about the continued demand for services and how it might support the profession in the future. This included not just financial support but also perhaps mentorship and increasing support to improve the mental health of dentists in the UK.
It was felt there is a lack of awareness of the Charity and that it should continue to work in partnership with other organisations to raise its profile amongst dental students, dentists, and their families.
Attendees commented that they were delighted to see such expertise and diversity on the panel which added to the depth of discussion. A cake was shared to mark the special day.
We welcome your thoughts about how best to promote the BDA Benevolent Fund so that everyone knows where to come in their time of need.
