News

Gum Health Day 2019 takes place on May 12, and this year’s campaign is based around the slogan “Healthy gums, beautiful smile”. The focus is on how healthy gums contribute not only to better oral and overall health, but also to good dental aesthetics, self-confidence, and improved quality of life.

We were delighted that many of our members and non-members registered to participate in April’s webinar, which centred around Periodontal disease management.

The last month has certainly been eventful for BSP. The month started with a webinar by Professor Nicola West on Diagnosis and Communication to improve health outcomes. I submitted the Society’s reply to the GDC Consultation on principles of Specialist Listing and additionally attended a GDC meeting on behalf of BSP in relation to Future Development of CPD. Professor West and I also attended the EFP General Assembly meeting in Bern.

What is your position in the BSP and what does this role involve? I am a member of the BSP Council and also Chair of the Teachers Section. I report to BSP Council on issues that relate to the work of the organisation in the area of teaching of Periodontology and work with the President of the BSP and Conference team to set the programme for Teachers Section meetings.

The EFP has published the first edition of a new annual magazine, Perio Review, which provides a report on the activities of the federation over the last year. Covering the year between the 2018 general assembly in Vienna and this year’s assembly in Bern, Perio Review includes articles about the new “global EFP” that is symbolised by the arrival of international associate members from across the world.

BSP Council discussed the GDC consultation document on the principles of specialist listing. The consultation, which runs until the 25th April, invites comment on fundamental issues related to the system of specialist listing: • revised purposes for specialist listing, setting out what the GDC expects listed specialties to fulfil, and criteria by which the GDC will determine which disciplines of dentistry should be listed • principles for the addition and removal of specialist lists • processes for maintaining accreditation on specialist lists. If adopted by the GDC, following consultation, the revised principles and criteria would form the basis for the GDC to make policy decisions on specialist listing in the future.

As you will be aware, the BSP Patient Forum was established to give a voice to our patient community and help shape the future of gum health in the UK.

The EFP general assembly in Bern (Switzerland) held on Saturday 30th March marked a “changing of the guard” with a new team taking over key roles on the federation’s executive committee. Professor Iain Chapple, who has served as Secretary General for the last three years, handed over the reins to Professor Nicola West. At the same time, Professor Joerg Meyle (Germany), who has served two three-year terms as Treasurer was succeeded by Dr Monique Danser (Netherlands). In addition, Professor Filippo Graziani (Italy) became President for the next year, following Professor Anton Sculean (Switzerland).

We are looking forward to attending The British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show and promoting all things perio! The BSP will be on Stand H68.