Blog
It has been an honour to chair this year’s conference. Thank you all for attending, it really is invaluable for members of LDCs from across the UK to get together and network and I hope you felt the same.
I am grateful for the support from the Agenda Committee, BDA, GDPC, my own LDC, our speakers and the event sponsors and exhibitors.
We discussed the current position surrounding dental contract reform and my thanks go to Shiv Pabary, Chair, GDPC for his update and to Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State for Care who joined virtually to address Conference.
I chose resilience as a theme aiming to address this incredibly important aspect of our working lives, and with their presentations invited speakers Jason Wong, James Foster, John Lewis and Graeme Foreman provided advice to help us recognise the symptoms of burnout and consider how to build resilience, develop the ability to bounce back from difficulties and adapt to change. I was delighted Olympian Sir Steve Redgrave OBE was able to speak to us during the evening where he shared insights of overcoming challenges in his sporting world. A real highlight!
In keeping with the Conference’s keynote theme on resilience we debated and passed motions tackling the risks facing the profession and the millions we treat.
Presentations and details of Motions carried are available on the website.
Huge congratulations to the colleagues below in their elections:
- Chair Elect for Conference 2027 – Zoe Connelly
- Two Honorary Auditors to the Conference - Mark Haigh and Shiv Pabary
- One representative to the GDPC – Stuart Allan
- One representative to the Conference Agenda Committee – Andrew Bell
- Two representatives to the British Dental Guild – Jeremy Boyles (four-year term) and Stephen Shimberg (two-year term)
I wish Sarah well as I now hand the baton over and plans for 2026 get underway.
A message from in-coming Conference Chair, Sarah Canavan
I’d like to start by saying a big thank you to Charlie Daniels for his outstanding leadership in delivering such a successful conference in Newcastle. Charlie’s commitment and enthusiasm created a memorable event that brought people together, encouraged meaningful conversations, and reaffirmed the strength of our dental community. It’s clear that events like these matter and I feel privileged to be a small part of this process.
Our gratitude is also due to the Agenda Committee and the BDA team, whose hard work behind the scenes ensured the conference ran smoothly. It’s a reminder of what can be achieved when a dedicated team comes together with a shared purpose. I look forward to working closely with many of you over the coming year.
As I step into the role of LDC Conference Chair, I’m delighted to announce that next year’s conference will take place in Manchester — a city recognised for its energy, resilience, and long-standing tradition of innovation and community spirit. It feels like the perfect setting for what I hope will be a dynamic and engaging gathering.
It was great to see resilience as the focus of this year’s conference — a topic that feels particularly timely given the challenges we’ve all faced. It’s a quality our profession has shown in abundance, and one that will be instrumental as we move forward.
For 2026, we’ll be building on that foundation with a focus on collaboration. While resilience gets us through tough times, it’s collaboration that helps us shape what comes next. In recent years, our profession has faced significant challenges. What has become increasingly clear is that progress is made when we support each other, share knowledge, and work together. Next year’s event will be shaped by this principle, offering opportunities to connect, learn, and develop ideas that can strengthen both our profession and the services we provide to patients.
I hope to build on the relationships and momentum created in Newcastle, carrying that spirit forward to Manchester. It’s through collective effort and a united voice that we can navigate future challenges and advocate effectively for the dental profession.
Looking forward to seeing many of you at LDC Officials Day in London on Friday 28th November - I’ll be the one pretending to look organised!
Best wishes
Sarah Canavan
LDC Conference Chair
Thursday 5 – Friday 6 June 2025
Hilton Newcastle Gateshead
Dear Colleagues,
I am very much looking forward to welcoming you all to Newcastle for our Annual Conference of Local Dental Committees. I would like to say a big thank you to the Agenda Committee and the entire team at the BDA who have played a massive part in setting an agenda and finding a venue which I am certain will make for a magnificent conference.
The first day will be dedicated to resilience and we have a number of speakers to address this incredibly important aspect of our working lives. Some from within the field of dentistry and some from outside providing a ‘non-dental ‘perspective. Friday will be dedicated to motions, and I would urge open discussion. If you disagree with something, please stand up and tell us why!
The Thursday night black tie event is always a highlight of the dental calendar and I look forward to welcoming Sir Steve Redgrave to give us some insights into how resilience fitted into his professional world.
Please find following some specific information to help with preparations ahead of the event.
MOTIONS
Please read the list of motions contained in the papers ahead of the event and submit any requests for changes to the wording of motions to
VOTING PERMISSIONS
To ensure correct voting permissions at the Conference please check you are registered in the correct capacity (see delegate list enclosed). If you have registered for the conference as a GDPC member but no one is attending from your LDC it is recommended you amend your registration to that of LDC Representative so you can vote on your LDC’s behalf. Please contact Fiona Feltham as soon as possible (
LDC Representatives – voting
LDC Representatives are required to bring a smartphone or tablet along to the event this year to participate in the voting. Further details will be provided in due course to those eligible to vote during motions and elections.
NOMINATIONS
Nominations can be made in advance and/or from the floor as advised in standing orders.
CONFERENCE DINNER – Thursday 5 June
The Conference Dinner will take place on the Thursday evening also in the Gateshead Suite at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead. The evening begins with a drinks reception at 19:00 and seats should be taken for dinner at 19:45. Dress code is black tie. If you have not booked but would now like to attend, please contact Fiona to ensure you can be accommodated (
EXHIBITION
We are grateful to Practice Plan and Wesleyan who are jointly sponsoring this year’s event. They will be joined on the day by an array of other exhibitors with products and services of interest to delegates. The support of these companies is incredibly valued. Please do take the time to visit the exhibition during the breaks.
ACCOMMODATION, TRAVEL AND EXPENSE CLAIMING
If you have not yet made accommodation arrangements and need assistance booking somewhere to stay, please contact MICE Concierge the appointed hotel agents on 01438 908 770 /
Information to help with travel arrangements and expense claiming (including the appropriate claim forms for LDC Reps and GDPC members) can be found on the website.
To help you with your travel plans it may be useful to highlight that conference on the Thursday will commence at 13:00 with lunch served from 12:00. Conference will conclude at 13:00 on Friday with lunch served until 14:00.
CONFERENCE PAPERS AT THE EVENT
https://www.ldcuk.org/papers
Conference papers are added to the LDC Conference website too listed as individual items for ease of reference during the event. Hard copies will not be provided on the day but details of each motion will be displayed on the AV screens.
A joining instruction email will be sent to all delegates a week prior with a final summary of information. To cover any amendments Conference papers will be recirculated at that point also.
I look forward to seeing you in Newcastle!
Best wishes
Charlie Daniels
Chair of LDC Conference 2025
www.ldcuk.org #LDCConf2025
Thursday 5 – Friday 6 June 2025
Hilton Newcastle Gateshead
Dear Colleagues,
I hope you are keeping well, and I look forward to welcoming you to the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead on the 5 and 6th of June 2025.
With a change in Government, I am sure we were all hoping for a bit more progress in the direction of travel of dentistry than has materialised. However, it is important we keep working together and build on last year’s Conference theme of ‘What good NHS Dentistry looks like’.
Resilience…be it our own or that of the workforce has never been so important, and we will be exploring this at this year’s Conference to help address the stress and strains we face on a daily basis. We’ll be hearing from some excellent speakers from within the profession but will also have input from speakers from different fields to help make it an invaluable couple of days.
I particularly look forward to welcoming Sir Steve Redgrave as our after-dinner speaker on the Thursday evening and hope to see as many of you as possible.
'With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts' (Eleanor Roosevelt).
MOTIONS
The LDC Conference website provides lots of advice on composing motions and how to make an active contribution to this year’s conference. Don’t miss the opportunity to exercise your right to speak out!
We will be continuing with the format used in recent years for submitting motions with a narrative. The intention being to provide delegates with enough information to form a view and be prepared in advance if they wish to speak for or against on the day. As part of the submission process, you’ll need to state the objective to your motion. Is it to re-affirm existing policy, challenge/change current policy or is it a new idea/proposal.
Because motions are intended to give direction for GDPC policy please find here a list of existing GDPC polices. This outlines how GDPC has acted on motions carried at previous conferences and how much they have achieved on our behalf.
The deadline to submit motions was 4 April. The submission form is therefore now closed.
ELECTIONS
To help ensure a smooth running of the event nominations in advance for the positions outlined below are encouraged although attendees will also have the opportunity to nominate from the floor too.
The deadline to nominate in advance has now passed. It is now only possible to nominate from the floor.
Elections (where necessary) will take place for the following positions:
- Chair elect of conference (to chair conference in 2027)
- Honorary treasurer
- Two honorary auditors
- One representative to GDPC
- Two representatives to the board of managers of the British Dental Guild
- One member of Agenda Committee.
Information about what each of the roles entails can be found on the website here.
SPECIAL OBSERVER PLACES – for newcomers to conference
In addition to the normal allocation of conference places each LDC is once again permitted to register one ‘Special LDC Observer’ place this year.
This is an opportunity for newcomers to immerse themselves in dental politics and hopefully launch a career-long interest. These special observer places are reserved for those who are new to dental representation or first-time conference goers.
If an LDC has someone who meets this criterion, they can be registered online selecting ‘Special LDC Observer’ as delegate type.
The LDC Conference website provides lots more advice on how to contribute.
TIMINGS AND FORMAT
The event provides an opportunity to get reacquainted, welcome newcomers to the LDC community and at the dinner celebrate our Unsung Heroes. Conference will start a little earlier this year at 13:00 on the Thursday and conclude at 13:00 on the Friday (with lunch available either side) and the formal dinner in-between.
Please note this year’s event will be delivered in-person only. The costs involved to provide virtual access for a handful of attendees are too prohibitive. Attending in-person will ensure you can network with your counterparts from across the UK, debate and challenge, agree and disagree, and have the voice of the LDC you represent heard.
REGISTRATION, DINNER TICKETS, TRAVEL AND HOTELS
CONFERENCE
As usual the Conference is open to nominated LDC representatives and members of the BDA General Dental Practice Committee. Once LDCs have agreed who will attend to represent them delegates must register in advance for the event.
All conference places, hotel rooms and dinner tickets should be booked online by Friday 4 April.
Individual email addresses and GDC numbers are required at point of registration for all attendees.
How many people can my LDC send?
If you are unsure how many people your LDC can register for the Conference, you can check the list of permitted attendees for each LDC here.
Where an LDC is entitled to send a sole Representative, they are also permitted to send an accompanying Observer. The conference fees for this permitted Observer will be covered, however the LDC is responsible for funding dinner tickets, travel and accommodation expenses.
Plus, as highlighted earlier. in addition to the usual allocation of places we have some places reserved for Special LDC Observers – (this special ticket type must be approved by LDC Secretaries and is for those who are first time conference goers). If your LDC wishes to fund the attendance of other (extra) Observers please contact
DINNER
The black-tie dinner will take place on the Thursday evening, also at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead. Dinner tickets are funded for those registering as LDC Representatives and are available for £85 per person for all other attendees. Additional tickets for guests can be booked online too.
Drinks reception from 19:00 with dinner served at 19:45.
HOTEL BOOKINGS
This year we will be using three hotels for accommodation.
The Copthorne Newcastle and INNSiDE by Meliá Newcastle hotels are located on the quayside, across the river from the HQ hotel (Hilton Newcastle Gateshead). Less than a 10 minute walk away.
Bookings are being managed by our appointed accommodation agent MICE Concierge. We have an allocation of bedrooms available at the hotel and you will be prompted to book accommodation online as part of the event registration process.
Accommodation will be assigned from our rooming blocks on a first-come-first-served basis.
Please note the release date for all un-allocated bedrooms is Friday 4 April so ensure you reserve your room before this date to guarantee availability and the discounted rates we have agreed with the hotels.
Further information about hotel booking is available here.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
TRAVEL AND EXPENSE CLAIMING
Information about travel arrangements and expense claiming can be also found on the website.
FURTHER ASSISTANCE OR QUESTIONS
If you have a question regarding your motion submission or nomination please contact Alexandra Cenic
If you require assistance regarding your registration and the logistical arrangements for the event please contact Fiona Feltham (Events Manager)
GOLF COMPETITON
Finally, I’m planning a golf day too on the Wednesday before the event at Close House. For those looking to join this activity you’ll find details here.
I very much look forward to welcoming you all to Newcastle!
Best wishes
Charlie
Charlie Daniels - 2025 LDC Conference Chair
And just like that, LDC Conference 2024 has passed. It has been a privilege to chair this year and host the conference in beautiful Brighton. Thank you all for attending, participating, and bringing such warmth and joyfulness.
I am grateful for the support from the Agenda Committee, BDA, GDPC, my own LDC, and all of you.
The theme was exploring what good looks like, with reflections on current realities and how we got here. With insights from the GDPC chair, the outgoing health select committee chair, and the four devolved nations.
We discussed young dentists' concerns, patient needs, and the call to lead the prevention revolution. We explored sustainability, enabling us to start that audit cycle today. We explored the future, and we were invited to be part of the solution through the BDJ portfolio's role.
We addressed all 34 motions efficiently, highlighting our ability as GDPs to overcome time pressures.
Presentations and Motions are available on the website.
I asked you what good looked like you said:
- Structural Reform and Funding,
- Workforce Support and Engagement,
- Equity, Sustainability, and Quality of Care.
Research indicates Dentistry is an election issue for all parties, and there's an air of positivity and opportunity I hope we can grasp it.
Huge congratulations to:
- Chair Elect for Conference 2026 - Sarah Canavan
- Two Honorary Auditors to the Conference - Mark Haigh and Shiv Pabary
- One representative to the GDPC - Agi Tarnowski
- One representative to the Conference Agenda Committee - Shawn Charlwood
I have no doubt Charlie will build a fantastic conference in Newcastle, and I look forward to it immensely!
I leave you with the CLANGERS from Phil Hammond who made us laugh so much after dinner:
Connect, Learn, (be) Active, Notice, Give back, Eat well, Relax, Sleep.
A message from in-coming Conference Chair, Charlie Daniels
Firstly, I would like to thank Agi Tarnowski for hosting an exceptional conference in Brighton. It embodied everything a great conference should have. A wonderful setting and venue, the interaction between colleagues showed what an invaluable event this is. I am sure, as I did, you all thoroughly enjoyed it. Agi, you have set a high bar indeed!
I would also like to extend my thanks to the Agenda Committee and the team at the BDA who were instrumental in making this event so successful, I look forward to working with you throughout the coming year.
I am excited to bring this event to Newcastle; a city that has grown and become ever more vibrant over the years. Hopefully dentistry can take this upward trajectory path. The theme of 2025’s conference is mental resilience. Never more pertinent in these challenging times, and we plan a conference to help address some of these issues.
We all realise the last few years have been tough and we all hope for better times ahead.
Many thanks to Shawn Charlwood and GDPC for expressing our views so eloquently.
If I can leave you with this quote:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’
(Rudyard Kipling)
We are all in this together.
I look forward to seeing many of you at LDC Officials’ day in London on Friday 29 November, please do come and say hello.
Best wishes,
Charlie Daniels
LDC Conference Chair 2025
I am very much looking forward to welcoming you to Brighton for our Annual Conference of Local Dental Committees. Along with the agenda committee and our colleagues at the BDA, we have taken on board your comments and worked hard to put together a programme that we hope will engage and inspire. We have reached out to key speakers, in line with our overarching theme of exploring what "good" looks like from different perspectives.
Given that it is an election year, Dentistry is in the media a great deal and is an important doorstep issue for politicians and the public alike. It is likely that there will be more scrutiny and interest in what we say and the way we represent our profession. With NHS dentistry facing an existential threat, the NHS workforce experiencing diminished hope, Integrated Care Boards grappling with delegated commissioning, and patients confronting an escalating crisis in access to NHS dental services, the need for dialogue and collective problems solving has never been more critical.
Our first day will be focused on hearing different perspectives from distinguished speakers, while our second day will be devoted to motions LDCs have brought forward. It is an honour to chair this conference. Like you, I take pride in being an elected representative of our profession. We willingly accept the responsibility to support, represent, and influence on behalf of our electorate NHS GDPs. LDCs were established by statute when the NHS was first formed, and I firmly believe they play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape too.
Thank you to those of you who contributed to the ‘Slido’ question I shared previously to explore what "good" looks like from the perspective of LDCs. Three issues emerged: reform funding, support and engagement with the workforce, and ensuring sustainable, equitable quality care. These topics are also, perhaps unsurprisingly, reflected in the motions submitted. You may notice that motions have been divided by objectives to aid democratic discussion and timing so that we can reinforce or challenge current policy, scrutinize, or support ideas both new and old, to influence the future of our profession within the NHS framework.
It is my hope that we can influence change for the better, as losing NHS Dentistry from our society cannot be the goal. I believe there is a unique opportunity currently to influence change. For too long, we have seen our service wither on the vine; I hope we can change direction and rebuild a service that serves the patient, the practitioner, the practice, and the state.
Please find following some specific information to help with preparations ahead of the event.
MOTIONS
Please read the list of motions contained in the papers ahead of the event and submit any requests for changes to the wording of motions to
AMENDMENTS TO STANDING ORDERS
A review of standing orders has taken place and amendments are proposed. The conference will be asked to accept those changes as the very first item on the agenda, if accepted the conference and nomination amendments will be enacted directly.
LDC Representatives – voting
LDC Representatives are required to bring a smartphone or tablet along to the event this year to participate in the voting. Further details will be provided in due course to those eligible to vote during motions.
NOMINATIONS
Nominations can be made in advance and/or from the floor as advised in standing orders.
CONFERENCE DINNER – Thursday 6 June
The Conference Dinner will take place on the Thursday evening at the hotel. The evening begins with a drinks reception at 19:15 in the Cambridge Suite with dinner service commencing at 20:00 in the Oxford Suite.
Dress code is black tie. If you have not booked but would now like to attend, please contact Fiona to ensure you can be accommodated (
TRAVEL AND EXPENSE CLAIMING
Information to help with travel arrangements and expense claiming (including the appropriate claim forms for LDC Reps and GDPC members) can be found on the website
To help you with your travel plans it may be useful to highlight that conference on the Thursday will commence at 13:30 with lunch served from 12:30. Conference will conclude at 13:00 on Friday with lunch served until 14:00.
EXHIBITION
We will be joined by a great array of exhibitors with products and services of interest to delegates. Their support of the event is incredibly valued. Please do take the time to visit the exhibition during the breaks.
CONFERENCE PAPERS AT THE EVENT
Please use this link to download the Conference papers. Hard copies will not be provided on the day, details of each motion will be displayed on the AV screens, but you are welcome to bring your own device if you would like to view the information electronically during the event or print beforehand if you prefer paper copies.
CLICK HERE For Conference Papers
A joining instruction email will be sent to all delegates a week prior with a final summary of information. In the meantime please direct any questions you may have about the arrangements for the event to
I look forward to seeing you in Brighton!
Best wishes
Agi Tarnowski
Chair of LDC Conference 2024
www.ldcuk.org #LDCConf2024
Thursday 6 – Friday 7 June 2024
DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel
NHS dentistry is in a perilous position. The NHS workforce is disheartened and disillusioned. The current and next generations of dentists see little prospects within the NHS. Integrated Care Boards are grappling with delegated commissioning and competing budgetary demands. Patients are encountering difficulties accessing NHS dental services, and politicians' mailboxes are overwhelmed with letters detailing the impact of insufficient care, with no clear political solution in sight.
This could be an election year. Can we help turn any of this around?
The profession is seeking engagement with key stakeholders, we believe that an active dialogue is necessary to address the impasse we currently find ourselves in.
The central theme of our conference is "Exploring What Good Looks Like." We believe that good healthcare practices and policies can vary greatly depending on one's viewpoint – from policymakers to performers, practices, and patients. We aim to understand these diverse perspectives to evolve the collective good.
MOTIONS
The LDC Conference website provides lots of advice on composing motions and how to make an active contribution to this year’s conference. Don’t miss the opportunity to exercise your right to speak out!
We will be continuing with the format used in recent years for submitting motions with a narrative. The intention being to provide delegates with enough information to form a view and be prepared in advance if they wish to speak for or against on the day. As part of the submission process, you’ll need to state the objective to your motion. Is it to re-affirm existing policy, challenge/change current policy or is it a new idea/proposal.
Because motions are intended to give direction for GDPC policy please find here a list of existing GDPC polices. This outlines how GDPC has acted on motions carried at previous conferences and how much they have achieved on our behalf.
The deadline to nominate in advance has now passed. It is now only possible to nominate from the floor.
ELECTIONS
To help ensure a smooth running of the event (and accommodate those who may be attending virtually) nominations in advance for the positions outlined below are encouraged although in-person attendees will also have the opportunity to nominate from the floor.
Elections (where necessary) will take place for the following positions:
- Chair elect of conference (to chair conference in 2026)
- Honorary treasurer
- Two honorary auditors
- One representative to GDPC
- One representative to the board of managers of the British Dental Guild
- One member of Agenda Committee.
Information about what each of the roles entails can be found on the website here.
SPECIAL OBSERVER PLACES – for newcomers to conference
In addition to the normal allocation of conference places each LDC is once again permitted to register one ‘Special LDC Observer’ place this year.
This is an opportunity for newcomers to immerse themselves in dental politics and hopefully launch a career-long interest. These special observer places are reserved for those who are new to dental representation or first-time conference goers.
If an LDC has someone who meets this criterion, they can be registered online selecting ‘Special LDC Observer’ as delegate type.
The LDC Conference website provides lots more advice on how to contribute.
TIMINGS AND FORMAT
The event provides an opportunity to get reacquainted, welcome newcomers to the LDC community and at the dinner celebrate our Unsung Heroes. Conference will officially commence at 13:30 on the Thursday and conclude at 13:00 on the Friday (with lunch available either side) and the formal dinner in-between.
We all appreciate how invaluable face-to-face interaction is but acknowledging that some may be prevented from attending in person, it will be possible to view and listen in to discussions taking place on the main stage via livestream link. Please note that virtual attendees will not be able to participate in debate, present or respond to motions, and the dynamic and interactive nature of the conference does require those selected by their LDCs as Representatives to attend in person. This will ensure they can debate and challenge, agree and disagree, and have the voice of the LDC heard.
REGISTRATION, DINNER TICKETS, TRAVEL AND HOTELS
HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT
As usual the Conference is open to nominated LDC representatives and members of the BDA General Dental Practice Committee. Once LDCs have agreed who will attend to represent them delegates must register in advance for the event.
All conference places (including live-stream access) and dinner tickets should be booked online by Friday 12 April.
Individual email addresses and GDC numbers are required at point of registration for all attendees.
How many people can my LDC send?
If you are unsure how many people your LDC can register for the Conference, you can check the list of permitted attendees for each LDC here.
Where an LDC is entitled to send a sole Representative, they are also permitted to send an accompanying Observer. The conference fees for this permitted Observer will be covered, however the LDC is responsible for funding dinner tickets, travel and accommodation expenses.
Plus, as highlighted earlier. in addition to the usual allocation of places we have some places reserved for Special LDC Observers – (this special ticket type must be approved by LDC Secretaries and is for those who are first time conference goers).
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
The closing date for registration was Friday 12 April. To discuss a late entry please email
CONFERENCE DINNER
The black-tie dinner will take place on the Thursday evening, also at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel. Dinner tickets are funded for those registering as LDC Representatives and are available for £85 per person for all other attendees. Additional tickets for guests can be booked online too.
Drinks reception from 19:15 with dinner served at 19:45.
HOTEL BOOKINGS
We have an allocation of bedrooms available at the hotel and you will be prompted to book accommodation online as part of the event registration process.
Bookings are being managed by our appointed accommodation agent MICE Concierge.
Accommodation will be assigned from our rooming blocks on a first-come-first-served basis.
Please note the release date for all un-allocated bedrooms is Friday 12 April so please ensure you reserve your room before this date to guarantee availability and discounted rates.
Further information about hotel booking is available here.
TRAVEL AND EXPENSE CLAIMING
Information about travel arrangements and expense claiming can be also found on the website.
FURTHER ASSISTANCE OR QUESTIONS
If you have a question regarding your motion submission or nomination please contact Alexandra Cenic
If you require assistance regarding your registration and the logistical arrangements for the event please contact Fiona Feltham (Events Manager)
I very much look forward to welcoming you all to Brighton!
Best wishes
Agi
Agi Tarnowski - 2024 LDC Conference Chair
From the iconic Brighton Pier to the stunning Royal Pavilion, Brighton promises to provide a memorable backdrop for the Local Dental Committees Annual Conference 2024. The agenda committee and I look forward to welcoming you to Brighton, renowned for its rich history, cultural diversity, and picturesque landscapes.
NHS dentistry is in a perilous position. The NHS workforce is disheartened and disillusioned. The current and next generations of dentists see little prospects within the NHS. Integrated Care Boards are grappling with delegated commissioning and competing budgetary demands. Patients are encountering difficulties accessing NHS dental services, and politicians' mailboxes are overwhelmed with letters detailing the impact of insufficient care, with no clear political solution in sight.
This could be an election year. Can we help turn any of this around?
The profession is seeking engagement with key stakeholders, we believe that an active dialogue is necessary to address the impasse we currently find ourselves in.
The central theme of our conference is "Exploring What Good Looks Like." We believe that good healthcare practices and policies can vary greatly depending on one's viewpoint – from policymakers to performers, practices, and patients. We aim to understand these diverse perspectives to evolve the collective good.
Your input is vital. What does "good" NHS Dentistry look like to you? I'm sharing a QR code to collect the opinions of the Local Dental Committees. Please share it around and use the code to contribute your views.
I will be in touch in due course with more details about the arrangements for this year’s event, including the processes for registration and submission of motions and nominations.
In the meantime, please save the date Thursday 6 – Friday 7 June 2024.
Thank you for your help and support.
Best wishes
Agi
Agi Tarnowski
LDC Conference Chair 2024
Registration and hotel booking instructions will be available soon. In the meantime queries can be directed to Fiona Feltham (Events Manager)
If you have a question regarding motion submissions or nominations please contact Alexandra Cenic
I can hardly believe that my twelve months as Conference Chair is now over – time has passed very quickly.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who attended the event and thank Conference for electing me as its Chair.
When I wrote my welcome blog back in May I expressed the hope that delegates’ expectations as to the venue would be exceeded and I am delighted to hear that North Yorkshire’s scenery, history, food and of course its people have woven the usual magic!
I was delighted to see so many dentists new to LDCs attending the event and I hope that we will have inspired the next generation to continue to develop Conference year on year. My theme for conference was built around getting all those involved under the same roof so that the foundations of a collaborative framework could be built upon. I believe that was achieved.
As I have thought throughout, we must fight for NHS dental services to be better and it was great to see that same message coming through in so many of the presentations. I am very grateful to all our invited speakers for their contributions.
Contract reform, incentives to encourage new graduates to provide NHS services, dental tourism, and the need for a dental voice in the integrated care systems were among the 35 motions debated.
Details of the motions carried can be found here.
Congratulations to the following colleagues who were elected to positions:
- Charlie Daniels (Chair-elect)
- Peter Hodgkinson (Honorary Treasurer)
- Jonathan Randall and Shiv Pabary (Honorary Auditors)
- Roger Levy (Conference Representative to the GDPC)
- Zoe Connelly (Member to Conference Agenda Committee)
- Shiv Pabary (Member to British Dental Guild Board of Managers)
It was wonderful to honour Tim Hogan and Jules Unter from Kent LDC, with the Unsung Hero Award to recognise their dedication over so many years too.
I could not have managed this year without the support of the Agenda Committee, Dan Cook, Agi Tarnowski, Judith Husband, Zoe Connelly, Russell Gidney, Pete Hodgkinson, Alex Cenic and Fiona Feltham and her team.
I am pleased to hand the chain of office to Agi Tarnowski and I look forward to seeing you in Brighton.
A message from in-coming Conference Chair, Agi Tarnowski
What a wonderful conference in Harrogate! The Yorkshire magic did indeed foster constructive debate, sharing of knowledge and the sorely missed opportunity to meet up with our peers.
I would like to add my sincere thanks to Mark and his agenda committee for making it happen. It has certainly inspired me, and I am so glad to be working with such a dedicated group.
I look forward to bringing the LDC Conference next year to the vibrant coastal city of Brighton, renowned for its rich history, cultural diversity, and picturesque landscapes. From the iconic Brighton Pier to the stunning Royal Pavilion, the city promises to offer a memorable backdrop to our esteemed gathering.
It is a great honour and a privilege to be handed the chains of office, my aim is to take on this responsibility to hear and to be heard. On behalf of the organising committee, it will be our pleasure to invite you to participate in this prestigious event dedicated to reaching the voice of the profession through you its elected representatives.
Over the course of the year, we hope to put a programme together to hear from those who can help move us forward, if you have ideas on what good looks like do get in touch….
Before we meet up in Brighton, I hope to see a great many of you at LDC Officials’ day which will be face-to-face in London on Friday 1 December.
Best wishes
Agi
LDC Conference Chair 2024