Our History
The BSDHT (formerly BDHA) wish to thank Rosemarie Khan, OBE, for giving permission to use text from: The History of the British Dental Hygienists’ Association, 1949 – 1999.
In the Beginning There Were Twelve
The inaugural meeting of the British Dental Hygienists’ Association took place on 6 July 1949 at the Eastman Dental Clinic, Gray’s Inn Road, London. Twelve potential members were present, and officers and committee members were elected. They were:
- Chairman – Vera Creaton
- Secretary – Ann Hamer
- Treasurer – Eva Ecob
The four committee members were Pat Chester, Joan Smith, Nancy Stormont and Tony Walker.
It was decided at this meeting to name the Association ‘The British Dental Hygienists’ Association’ (BDHA). It was proposed that in addition to the Annual General Meeting, there should be three other meetings per year and that Association headquarters would be at the Eastman Dental Clinic. Vera Creaton, the Chairman, proposed that an informal newsletter should be circulated to members and interested members should send news to the Secretary whenever possible. Subsequently, in December 1949, the ‘Newsheet’ was published, however it was to be many years later that ‘Dental Health’, the journal of the British Dental Hygienists’ Association, was established.
A step forward for dental hygienists was made in 1970 when the GDC approved the use of the letters EDH as a short title for enrolled dental hygienists. In 1973 the first of the regional groups was formed. Originally named the Yorkshire Regional Group, the first informal meeting took place in June.
1994
Dr Leatherman Award
2006
BDHA was renamed
The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) to reflect changes in education system.
2009
Diamond Jubilee
The organisation celebrated its Diamond Jubilee
2013
Direct Access introduced
2015
BSDHT First Smiles Campaign
{sponsored by Oral-B) to encourage members to educate children on the importance of good oral hygiene.
2016
Launched BSDHT Indemnity
An insurance policy developed especially for Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists.
2017
Opened Rugby Head Office
2018
BSDHT Benevolent fund
Introduction of the BSDHT Benevolent fund intended to assist Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists who are in need of financial assistance, helping to get lives and careers back on track.
2019
Celebrated 70th Anniversary
2020
First Online AGM & Oral Health Conference
Due to COVID-19 pandemic
2020
Introduction of Mentorship Scheme and Training
2020
Launch of BSDHT Bites e-newsletter
2021
Launch of New Website and Member Portal
2021
Developed BSDHT Preparation for Practice
2022
BSDHT move to Bragborough Hall Business Centre
2023
The first BSDHT Refresh and Refine
2024
Exemptions granted
2024
BSDHT Celebrates its 75th Birthday
From that momentous day in July 1949, where twelve members formed the British Dental Hygienists’ Association, it has become an organisation recognised nationally and internationally
Past Presidents
Year Member
2022 – 2024 Miranda Steeples
2020 – 2022 Diane Rochford
2018 – 2020 Julie Deverick
2016 – 2018 Helen Minnery
2014– 2016 Michaela ONeill
2012 – 2014 Julie Rosse
2010 – 2012 Sally Simpson
2008 – 2010 Dr Marina Harris
2006 – 2008 Michael G Wheeler BEM
2004 – 2006 Margaret K Ross OBE
2002 – 2004 Sue Skinner
2000 – 2002 Caroline Clitter
1998 – 2000 Mabel Slater MBE
1996 – 1998 Christine Pleasance
1994 – 1996 Shelagh Lockyer
1992 – 1994 Jacqui Smith
1990 – 1992 Sue Lloyd
1988 – 1990 Eveline Gray MBE
1986 – 1988 Pat Gooderham
1984 – 1986 Rosemarie Khan OBE
1982 – 1984 Peggy Bardsley
1980 – 1982 Jean Bailey
1978 – 1980 Elizabeth Riding
1976 – 1978 Ann Round MBE
1969 – 1976 Wendy Leech MBE
1957 – 1969 Madeleine Ferry MBE
1949 – 1957 Vera Creaton MBE
Dr Gerald Leatherman (Honorary President 1957 – 1991)