A note from our President…

It’s hard to believe that 2024 is almost over, how the time flies by. We held our last BSP Council meeting earlier in the month, and I have now officially handed over the BSP Presidential Chain to Professor Nicola West, who will lead the Society in 2025. Many congratulations to Nicola on being appointed BSP President for next year. I have no doubts that Nicola will be a brilliant President, supported by Council and all members of our senior leadership team.

We have continued to be busy at BSP HQ right up until the end of the year. Our Strategic Plan for 2025-2030 is now published on the BSP website, and in the new year we will progress towards its implementation. A key part of that will be our ongoing educational programmes as well as the joint BSP/BSDHT Conference to be held in Edinburgh in November next year. Please do look out for some great webinars that we will be delivering starting early in 2025.

We have achieved a lot this year, and most recently, senior members of the Society have met with MPs at the House of Commons to emphasise the importance of periodontal health as part of overall health and wellbeing. The MPs at these meetings were receptive, interested, and willing to discuss the challenges that need to be overcome to more effectively embed periodontal care into dental practice. We will keep working with policymakers to maximise opportunities for patient benefit.

For me, this year as BSP President has been an undoubted privilege and absolute joy.  There are so many highlights to reflect on, particularly BSP Conference 2024 in Newcastle. I would like to most sincerely thank BSP Council, our Senior Management Team, and the whole membership of the wonderful BSP family for supporting me and allowing me the honour of being BSP President this year.

I very much hope that you all get the opportunity to take a well-deserved break from work over the next few weeks and spend some time relaxing with family and friends over the holiday period.