‘Shaping a more inclusive future’ – the Black Dental Network Excellence Conference 2024

Gaby Bissett describes the highlights of this year’s Black Dental Network Excellence Conference – and why the group is only just getting started.

On Saturday 27 April, the Black Dental Network (BDN) welcomed dentists and dental care professionals from across the UK to the BDN Excellence Conference 2024 – its first ever full day conference and evening gala.

Its purpose? To celebrate not only the brilliance of its speakers and presenters but the significance of the gathering as a beacon of black excellence in UK dentistry.

Taking place at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham, the buzz of the day was evident from the minute you walked into the room. Every single delegate wanted to be in the room; all were there to learn, network and be inspired by not just the speakers, but by each other.

An impressive array of speakers meant there was never a dull moment. Dr Funmi Oluwajana, a specialist in endodontics and restorative dentistry, kicked off the day with a focus on treatment planning – but this was not your standard lecture.

After introducing her approach, she then invited the audience to assess cases themselves using on-screen QR codes, encouraging delegates to voice how they would plan the treatment.

In a world where branding, both personal and business, increasingly gathers pace in dentistry, the knowledge of Mr Terence Parris – a marketer whose portfolio includes Apple and Puma – has never seemed more valuable. In the words of Dr Kayleigh Vassel, his talk ‘spotlighted systemic issues but also emphasised personal reflection and growth as pathways toward effective leadership’.

‘A definite aura’

During the breaks, delegates could help themselves to tea, coffee and snacks, and talk to the array of industry leaders who were exhibiting, including EMS, Kiroku, Tepe and Colgate.

Lottie Manahan, a dental hygienist and GBT trainer, was there on behalf of EMS. She said: ‘It’s so empowering to come here today. It’s been done to absolute perfection – even down to the glossy brochures!

‘Everyone has made a real effort too; I’ve commented on so many people’s outfits coming in. There’s a definite aura here and the day feels really exciting.

‘I’m really glad that EMS have got me here today because I can talk about my passion and talk about how I use GBT in my everyday life. We all know how fundamental hygiene is in dentistry and how many of these practices are hygiene-led.

‘The ratio of hygiene treatment to dentistry has really changed and the hygiene element is now much bigger. That’s amazing because it is really encouraging prevention within UK dentistry.’

Important focus

Dr Estella Mensah, a dental surgeon, had travelled from Surrey to attend the conference. She said: ‘I’ve found the day amazing so far – it’s so insightful and there’s been a lot of knowledge shared that we can take away.

‘It’s great to see how much the group has expanded in such a short space of time.’

After a gorgeous buffet lunch, Dr Dammy Awe kicked off the afternoon with a talk on guided digital workflows, followed by a presentation on advanced periodontal care by Dr Lanre Onabolu.

The conference rounded off with an insightful panel discussion with Dr Mide Ojo, Dr Sophia Morris, Simone Ruzario and Dr Emma Grant.

Strive towards

The on-stage dialogue revolved around alternative pathways into dentistry and preparing for the future – a focus that is crucial for aspiring black dentists, according to Yada Yenke, a fourth year dental student at Peninsula Dental School.

One of the founders of the Black Dental Student group, she said their collaboration with the BDN has been invaluable.

‘We thought this would be a great collaboration and networking opportunity,’ she said.

‘It’s really amazing to have these groups exist. We’ve grown so much over the years – when we first went to dental school, there just wasn’t enough visibility for black dental clinicians.

‘But you’d see others such as Dr Yewande Oduwole and Dr Chinwe Akuonu, and it was really inspiring to see their journeys. You realised it was something that you can actually achieve and strive towards.

‘When we first started the group, the ultimate goal was to connect with other black dental clinicians. Within dental school, you can face adversities as a black student. I also feel that mentorship is really important, as well as networking, so I wanted to help create a space where they could have access to this.

‘A lot of black dental students don’t have parents who were dentists – for example, my parents are nothing to do with healthcare. It’s great to give people the opportunity to ask questions so you don’t start the journey at a bigger disadvantage.’

Necessary impact

The conference came to a close at 4pm – but not without a reminder of that evening’s gala, featuring key speaker Mr Tim Campbell MBE, businessman and previous The Apprentice winner.

Describing his talk, Dr Ruth Baidoo said: ‘It was relevant to all who were present and aptly fitted in with our theme of excellence and the importance of community.’

Reflecting on the day, I felt privileged to have been invited along and my thoughts echoed those of the delegates – that the Black Dental Network has made a huge and necessary impact on the dental community in such a short space of time. With such an engaged and interactive cohort of black clinicians, I have no doubt the group – and its events – will only go from strength to strength.

Dr Ruth Baidoo

‘For a relatively new network being able to put together a day conference for the first time was a big task but thankfully we as a team pulled it off and it all came together seemingly. With help from our numerous sponsors and outstanding speakers we were able to ensure that topics of relevance such as treatment planning, periodontics and digital dentistry all fitted in aptly with the theme for this year – Making the Complex Simple. 

‘When it came to the evening aspect of the day – the gala proved to be just as successful as the day conference. It was an opportunity to get dressed up, enjoy a three-course meal and network as well as highlight our grassroots project which exists to encourage young students from Afro- Caribbean backgrounds to consider careers in dentistry.

‘Our recent “Discover Dentistry” event held at King’s College London in February had enabled us to forge links with two aspiring students in particular who attended the event and were present in the evening to share their experience with the rest of the people present. 

‘Our esteemed keynote speaker for the night was none other than Tim Campbell MBE from BBC’s The Apprentice. His speech was humorous and relevant to all who were present and aptly fitted in with our theme of excellence and the importance of community. His words left us all with resounding food for thought, even paying tribute to the late Dr Uchenna Okoye. 

‘The accumulation of everything was proof that the late-night planning, the numerous zoom calls and behind the scenes preparation was all worth it and with confidence we can say that things will only get better next year.’

Dr Kayleigh Vassel

‘The Black Dental Network Excellence conference and evening gala were both incredibly enriching experiences. 

‘Highlights included a riveting panel discussion on “Alternative Pathways in Dentistry”, which opened up dialogue on non-traditional career trajectories within the dental field, shedding light on lesser-known but equally impactful areas of dental practice. Additionally, “Preparing for the Future Ahead” offered a forward-looking perspective, encouraging practitioners to stay adaptable and informed about emerging technologies and evolving patient needs. 

‘Another significant feature of the event was Mr Terence Parris’s talk titled “Where are you Positioned? Leadership and Communication through Reflection”, which profoundly addressed diversity issues and racism within dentistry. This talk not only spotlighted systemic issues but also emphasised personal reflection and growth as pathways toward effective leadership.

‘The aspiration for attendees was clear: to leave equipped not just with enhanced knowledge, but with a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer understanding of the crucial role diversity plays in enhancing our field. We explored various strategies to enhance inclusivity within dental practices, focusing on mentorship and community engagement as key drivers for change. 

‘Looking ahead, dentistry can expect robust initiatives from the Black Dental Network aimed at leadership development and advocacy for health equity. With plans to expand our grassroots campaign and membership to the wider dental occupations, the network is poised to be an influential force in shaping a more inclusive future for the dental profession.’

You can get in touch with the Black Dental Network on Instagram (@blackdentalnetwork) or via is website (www.blackdentalnetwork.com).

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