In an era where dental care is constantly advancing, the need for continuous professional development has never been more critical, writes Miranda Steeples.

As President of the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT), I’ve witnessed firsthand how our initiatives support dental hygienists and dental therapists across the UK in their pursuit of excellence. Our commitment to facilitating lifelong learning and enhancing the clinical skills of our members is at the heart of everything we do.

The General Dental Council (GDC) emphasizes the importance of Enhanced Continuing Professional Development (eCPD) to ensure dental professionals maintain and enhance their skills throughout their careers. BSDHT’s educational events, including local study days and our ‘Refresh & Refine’ programme, are meticulously designed to align with these eCPD requirements. By offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills application, we ensure our members are well-equipped to meet the GDC’s standards for lifelong learning.

Our regional group meetings serve as dynamic platforms for dental hygienists and dental therapists to stay abreast of the latest developments in the field. These events feature high-quality presentations from esteemed professionals, covering a broad range of topics from innovative treatment techniques to the latest research findings. This ensures our members can deliver the highest standard of care to their patients.

Looking ahead, I am particularly excited about our upcoming national conference. This event promises to be a highlight of the BSDHT calendar as we celebrate 75 years since the creation of the BDHA (British Dental Hygienists’ Association), now known as the BSDHT. We invite you to join us at the Oral Health Conference (OHC) in Harrogate on 22-23 November.

Our commitment to providing quality education, fostering peer support, and promoting lifelong learning remains steadfast. For further details, please visit www.bsdht.org.uk.