Tuesday 4 March 2025, 7.00pm-8.00pm, online
The mentor-mentee relationship
CGDent webinar, Wednesday 12 February 2025, 7pm
This CGDent webinar explores the requirements and expectations of a mentor during the early stages of a dental professional’s career. The discussion includes a reflection on alternative training pathways in implant dentistry, with a particular focus on a primary care setting. The speakers also provide an introduction to accessing and joining the College’s Register of Mentors in Implant Dentistry.
Speakers:
- Dr Amit Mistry FCGDent, Dental Implantologist and member of the Register of Mentors in Implant Dentistry
- Dr Choudhury Rahman, Associate Member of the College and general dental practitioner
CPD approx 40 minutes
GDC development outcomes: B, C
This webinar is hosted by the College of General Dentistry and powered by our CPD delivery partner, ProDental CPD – watch recording below.
It was free to view live for all dental professionals, and College members also have free access to the recorded webinar and can claim CPD hours for free. A £20 fee will apply for non-members who wish to claim CPD.
Membership of the College of General Dentistry is open to all registered dental professionals. Membership is available from £130 for dentists, £44 for dental nurses and £87 for other registered dental professionals. The full list of CGDent membership rates is here
Award offers hands-on course to Foundation Trainees
The CGDent and GC Award for Foundation Trainees, which promotes clinical skills and patient care, is now open for entries to the 2024/25 competition.
Following a successful inaugural year, and an expansion to the award’s eligibility criteria, dentists and dental therapists who qualified in the UK or Ireland in 2024 and are practising in the UK or Ireland, or who are undertaking Dental Foundation Training or Dental Vocational Training in 2024/25, are invited to enter. Entrants must submit a restorative case they are about to start treating which involves more than one tooth, and includes at least one anterior tooth, as well as the use of composite to restore teeth.
The number of winning places has also been increased to 18, with each successful candidate receiving a fully-funded place on a hands-on, two-day composite layering course at the GC Education Campus in Leuven, Belgium. The prize is worth around £1,400 per place and includes the costs of international travel, hotel accommodation and subsistence.
The successful candidates in the inaugural competition took part in the bespoke composite layering course in July 2024. One delegate said the course “offered an excellent balance between theoretical and hands-on components of learning” and provided “support to each delegate.” Another commented that they gained “time management, enriched patient communication skills and overall restorative skills.”
The 2024/25 award is now open, the closing date for entry is Friday 14 February 2025, and final cases must be submitted by Friday 11 April 2025. The winners will be announced in May, and their course will take place on Thursday–Friday 10–11 July 2025.
The CGDent-GC Award is funded by The Tom Bereznicki Charitable Educational Foundation and organised in conjunction with the College of General Dentistry and GC. The Foundation supports educational opportunities for early career dentists in the UK, and was founded by Dr Tom Bereznicki FCGDent, a general dental practitioner with a special interest in restorative dentistry.
GC is an oral health company which manufactures dental systems and products which are sold around the world, and has won awards for its products and innovations. It provides both online and in-person training covering many areas of dental practice.
Speaking about the award, Dr Tom Bereznicki FCGDent commented:
“The Trustees of the Foundation were delighted with the number and high standard of entries for the inaugural award. The winners thoroughly enjoyed the GC course in Belgium and felt that their knowledge and handling of composite materials and restorations was significantly improved over the two days. One of the requirements of the competition was a reflection on the outcome of the case and feedback from those who did not go through as winners suggests they had learnt a lot during the process, which would positively impact treatment they provide in the future. Based on this unqualified success, the competition will go ahead this year and will also be open to Dental Therapists.”
Professor Sir Nairn Wilson CBE FCGDent said:
“As Founding President Emeritus of the College of General Dentistry (CGDent), Patron of the Tom Berezniki Charitable Educational Foundation and a career-long collaborator with GC, I am delighted to encourage all those eligible, to consider entering the 2024–2025 CGDent-GC Award. Based on the outcome and feedback from the inaugural award, the winners of this year’s competition will be able to look forward to a highly rewarding educational experience at the fantastic GC Campus in Leuven, Belgium.”
John Maloney, GC’s Director and Country Manager for the UK, Ireland and South Africa, said:
“GC are proud to continue our collaboration with The Tom Bereznicki Charitable Educational Foundation and the College of General Dentistry, to deliver high quality education to dental professionals at the very start of their career. Our team in Belgium were delighted to host the first cohort of award winners, and we look forward to meeting the successful 2024/25 candidates in July next year.”
Click the button below for further information about the award and links to guidance for entrants and the entry form.
Fellows’ Winter Reception
Thursday 30 January 2025, 6-9pm, London
The Livery Hall, Cutlers’ Hall, Warwick Lane, London EC4M 7BR
The College of General Dentistry 2025 Fellows’ Winter Reception took place on the evening of Thursday 30 January in the historic Cutlers’ Hall in London.
The event included a welcome by the Chair of the College, the first address to Fellows by the new President since taking up office, the admission of new Fellows and the presentation of College diplomas.
An opportunity to network with peers, as well as to meet College Trustees and members of the College Council and Faculty Boards, the reception was open to all Fellows, Associate Fellows and those enrolled in Certified Membership.
Priority for tickets were given to new Fellows as well as individuals who applied for the most recent Fellows’ Summer Reception but were unable to be accommodated.
Information on eligibility for Fellowship of the College (FCGDent) and Associate Fellowship (AssocFCGDent) is available here
This event was preceded in the same venue by a reception to mark the impending 50th issue of the Primary Dental Journal, for which there are separate ticketing arrangements.
Fellows and Associate Fellows may also wish to take note that the next Fellows’ Summer Reception will take place on Friday 13 June 2025 in Sheffield.
The Primary Dental Journal: celebrating 50 issues
Thursday 30 January 2025, 4-5.30pm, London
The Court Room, Cutlers’ Hall, Warwick Lane, London EC4M 7BR
All past authors, guest editors, peer reviewers, book reviewers, editorial board members, production staff and other contributors to the Primary Dental Journal were invited to attend a reception marking the journal’s impending 50th issue.
The event, The Primary Dental Journal: celebrating 50 issues, took place on the afternoon of Thursday 30 January 2025 in the Court Room of the historic Cutlers’ Hall in London.
It was hosted by Sir Nairn Wilson CBE, the founding editor of the PDJ and President Emeritus of the College, and the current editor-in-chief, Professor Igor Blum.
Eligible individuals for whom we hold a functioning email address were sent an email inviting them to book their place.
Detailed information on eligibility, who we have emailed invitations to, and how eligible individuals who have not received an invitation can get in touch with us, is available here.
Associate Fellows and Fellows of the College attending this reception – and those eligible to join or upgrade to become one – may wish to note that it will be followed at 6pm by the Fellows’ Winter Reception upstairs in the Livery Hall. This is a chargeable event with separate ticketing arrangements of which all Associate Fellows and Fellows have been notified by email.
1992 Circle Winter gathering
Thursday 30 January 2025, 4-5.30pm, London
The Court Room, Cutlers’ Hall, Warwick Lane, London EC4M 7BR
Members of the 1992 Circle were invited, for their Winter 2025 gathering, to attend a special reception marking the impending 50th issue of the Primary Dental Journal.
The event, The Primary Dental Journal: celebrating 50 issues, took place on the afternoon of Thursday 30 January 2025 in the Court Room of the historic Cutlers’ Hall in London – the same venue as previous 1992 Circle meetings.
There was no charge for this event but prior registration was requested.
About the 1992 Circle
The 1992 Circle aims to foster continued close connections with and between our whole retired community, and comprises all College members who are fully retired from practice.
Named in honour of the year the FGDP(UK) was founded, it celebrates the vision of those who put the general dental profession in the UK on a journey towards independent collegiate status.
Bringing the benefit of our retired members’ experience to the work of the College today, the Circle promotes their continued standing in the profession and creates a sociable network of like-minded individuals.
There is no additional charge for membership of the 1992 Circle, and members receive special invitations to College events, as well as periodic updates from its Convenor, Sir Nairn Wilson CBE, and information on the events and activities of the Lindsay Society for the History of Dentistry.
All members of the College who are already fully retired from practice have now been enrolled in the 1992 Circle, and College members who are currently in practice will be enrolled once fully retired.
Please note that the reception to mark the Primary Dental Journal will be followed at 6pm by the College’s Fellows’ Winter Reception upstairs in the Livery Hall. This is a chargeable event with separate ticketing arrangements of which Circle members who are Fellows or Associate Fellows of the College will have been notified by email.
My life as a dental student
CGDent NextGen Ambassador and 2024 BDS graduate from the University of Manchester, Dr Naeema Munshi, reflects on her experiences and offers advice to current students.
Embarking on the journey to become a qualified dentist is nothing short of memorable. Graduating this summer has given me time to reflect on my journey as a whole and come up with some of my own advice on how to navigate dental school. I’m hoping this blog will give an insight on what it’s like to be a dental student.
The academics
Dental school is known for its rigorous academic standards. From day one, we were plunged into an intensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Lectures, EBL (enquiry based learning), clinical skills and laboratory sessions fill the weekdays, covering everything from anatomy and physiology to advanced dental techniques. In my first year I particularly enjoyed spending time in the dissection room learning anatomy.
As my degree was EBL based the workload was substantial, so managing time effectively and becoming an independent learner became an essential skill. Late-night study sessions in the library and revision sessions with friends became part of my weekly routine. Since it’s a lengthy degree, it’s easy to forget how much you’ve learned over the years and focus instead on the concepts you’re struggling with. My advice is to keep giving it your best and not be too hard on yourself because everyone will get there in the end. When exam season comes around the pressure can be intense, but the sense of accomplishment that comes from passing exams is incomparable.
Building lifelong friendships
Despite the demanding nature of the course, I found there is a strong sense of camaraderie among the students. The shared experiences, from the stress of exams to the pressure of clinical practice, creates a strong bond between us all.
The University I attended boasts a diverse student body allowing you to meet people from all over the world. I felt I was able to broaden my perspectives and gain an understanding of different cultures and backgrounds.
My university has partnerships with a number of dental schools around the world. These relationships gave me the opportunity to take part in the Stovit dental summer school at the university of Airlangga in Indonesia. The experience was a massive highlight of my university experience. I was able to fully immerse myself in a new culture and make friends with students from all over the globe, as well as discover how dentistry varies in different countries.
Overall one of the things I hold in the highest regard in relation to my university experience is the lifelong friendships I have made and the countless memories I’m left with.
Experiencing new things
For me life at university isn’t just about academics. It’s a time for personal growth and trying new things. My university, like many others, offered a countless number of extracurricular activities and societies. Whether you’re interested in sports, music, drama, or volunteering, there’s something for everyone.
Joining dental societies, for instance, provides opportunities for networking, attending professional events, and participating in outreach programs. I particularly enjoyed volunteering with Manchester Outreach Dentists and the Children’s outreach society.
Exploring Manchester
Wherever your university is you can have fun getting to know your new home! Manchester where I studied is a city brimming with life and culture. On weekends or after a long day of classes, there’s no shortage of places to explore. Personally I really enjoyed eating my way through the city, and discovering new cuisines.
Being a dental student is a journey filled with challenges, growth, and excitement. The studies will push you to your limits, but the friendships you forge, the new experiences you encounter, and the vibrant city you explore make it an unforgettable chapter of your life. It’s a place where you not only develop into a competent dental professional but also grow as an individual, ready to follow your dreams.
Author bio
“I studied the BDS at the University of Manchester, graduating in 2024, and during my final year I have been a CGDent NextGen Ambassador.
I have just started Dental Foundation Training in the North West of England, which is going well so far!
I enjoy meeting different people from all over the world, exploring new places and international cuisine.”
Naeema Munshi
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The edentulous patient: the impact of implants on quality of life
CGDent webinar, Wednesday 29 January 2025, 7pm
The World Health Organization classifies edentulism as a disability. This CGDent webinar unpacks the details of this disability, looking at both qualitative and quantitative research in this field. The quality of life of these individuals, both before and after all the teeth are lost, is discussed, along with treatment modalities, from the most commonly provided conventional complete dentures, to management with dental implants for both removable and fixed prosthodontic solutions.
The webinar is hosted by Dr Amin Aminian FCGDent, a Specialist in Prosthodontics and guest editor of the ‘Implant dentistry (part one)’ issue of the Primary Dental Journal, published in Autumn 2024.
Speaker:
- Dr Sarra Jawad, Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
Dr Sarra Jawad is the author of ‘The edentulous patient: the impact of implants on quality of life’, which was published in the ‘Implant dentistry (part one)’ issue of the Primary Dental Journal, in Autumn 2024.
Members of the College can access the article in the PDJ online library by first signing in to their online account and then visiting the PDJ Library webpage.
CPD approx 45 minutes
GDC development outcomes: C, D
This webinar is hosted by the College of General Dentistry and powered by our CPD delivery partner, ProDental CPD – watch below.
It was free to view live for all dental professionals, and College members also have free access to the recorded webinar and can claim CPD hours for free. A £20 fee will apply for non-members who wish to claim CPD.
Membership of the College of General Dentistry is open to all registered dental professionals. Membership is available from £130 for dentists, £44 for dental nurses and £87 for other registered dental professionals. The full list of CGDent membership rates is here
Report calls for improved provision of preventative oral healthcare
The College and Haleon have published a report on improving the provision of preventative oral healthcare.
Preventative care is defined as proactive dental care and advice that helps a patient to take action to maintain a healthy mouth, protecting against tooth decay, gum disease and more serious issues such as tooth loss and negative impacts on general health. The new report, The Dental Health Barometer, provides recommendations based on the experience and insight of general dental professionals on how to bridge the gap between intentions and practical delivery.
The underlying research began last year with a survey of 2,000 UK dental patients and over 500 dental professionals which highlighted inconsistencies in the provision of preventative oral healthcare advice. (A poster summarising those findings is available, as is a webinar examining them in more detail). This has since been built upon with rich discussions held with 77 oral health professionals, from all dental team roles, in focus group meetings hosted at eight general dental practices throughout the UK.
The most consistent finding is that oral health professionals seek redesigned NHS contracts to allow for more time and financial support in giving preventative oral care advice. The research also finds that the profession would like to see more resources devoted to providing nationwide preventative oral healthcare education, and a national communications campaign to tackle oral health misinformation.
The report highlights wider societal barriers to improving preventative oral care, such as competing social media narratives around oral health, diet and appearance; the erosion of long-term patient relationships; a continuing professional skew in some practices towards clinical treatments; and a tendency among non-dental health professionals not to deliver basic oral health messages.
Additional recommendations include:
- Simplifying the government’s Delivering Better Oral Health toolkit to make it more user-friendly, and
- The creation of a consumer-facing version of the Delivering Better Oral Health toolkit
- Working with non-dental health professionals such as health visitors and midwives to inform them of the benefits of preventative oral care
- Greater provision of CPD on the delivery of preventative care
- Encouraging businesses to provide dental cover to employees
- Celebrating team members such as dental hygienists in the mainstream media
- Better use of digital communications such as apps and video streaming platforms
Roshni Karia MCGDent, President of the College, said:
“Our focus groups found that many dentists may feel that they are conducting a lonely battle against entrenched patient habits around oral health care, and doing so within NHS contracts which are unfavourable to providing adequate preventative advice. Our work with Haleon highlights the need to take action to support oral health professionals in a real time of need.”
Bas Vorsteveld, Vice President of Haleon and its General Manager for Great Britain and Ireland, commented:
“With a new Prime Minister in 10 Downing Street, our findings could not come at a more pivotal time for the future of dentistry in the UK. Working alongside the College of General Dentistry, we outline the key opportunities, our jointly developed solutions to safeguard the future of preventative oral care provisions for UK consumers and oral health professionals alike. We welcome the new Labour government’s plan to rescue the UK’s dental sector, but we urge them to go further and make NHS contracts fit for purpose by prioritising prevention. Only by working alongside the profession and industry can the new government make the step-change that UK dentistry clearly needs.”
Haleon, formerly the consumer healthcare division of GlaxoSmithKline, is the manufacturer of well-known oral health products such as Sensodyne, Corsodyl, Aquafresh, Poligrip, Biotene and Parodontax.
The College and Haleon will continue to work together to advocate for improvements in the provision of preventative oral healthcare.
The College and Haleon would like to thank all those College members who volunteered to host a focus group in their practice, and all the members, colleagues and patients who participated in the research.
Editor sought for Primary Dental Journal
The College is recruiting a new Editor for the Primary Dental Journal (PDJ).
As it approaches its 50th issue, the journal’s longstanding Editor, Professor Igor Blum, will be standing down in 2025, and the College is now seeking a highly accomplished individual to succeed him.
The Editor is the academic lead of the PDJ. They commission individual themes and papers, appoint guest editors, authors and peer reviewers, and act as decision maker in editorial matters, giving final approval of all content and issues. They are also the public face, representative and main spokesperson for the PDJ, helping to ensure that it continues to be seen as a leading journal for primary dental care and that it fulfils its aims as well as those of the College.
The ideal candidate for the role will be a clinically active dental professional who is qualified to consultant level and has experience encompassing primary care, secondary care and academia. A full person specification and role description is available below:
Applications should be made by CV and a covering letter addressing the requirements described in the role profile. This must be received by Friday 18 October 2024, addressed to [email protected]. Interviews will then be held.
There is no fixed term for the role, and it is intended that the successful candidate will be in place by December 2024. Initially this will be as Editor designate to work with the current Editor on the development of journal issues for publication in the second half of 2025.
