European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry

BSSPD 55th Annual Conference

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Cover Date

June 2008

Print ISSN

0965-7452

Vol

16

Issue

2

Abstract

Thistle Hotel Exeter. 15th March – 18th March 2008
The 55th Annual BSSPD conference was held in the week before Easter at the Thistle Hotel in Exeter. The conference itself was preceded by a partial denture symposium attended by local practitioners and technicians. Participants enjoyed informal lectures from Finbar Allen (Cork), Nick Jepson (Newcastle), Ken Hemmings and Cameron Malton (both London) followed by a series of workshops considering different aspects of design and provision of partial dentures, including an opportunity for delegates to bring along and discuss more challenging cases. The workshops were led by John Hobkirk, Richard Welfare, Ken Hemmings, Cameron Malton and Colin Clark all from London. A valuable learning experience was achieved for both delegates and presenters.

Professor Liz Kay of the Peninsular Dental School opened the conference on Sunday with a brief update of progress of the new school. Further highlights of the day included a joint presentation by Craig Barclay and Chris Butterworth on the management of prosthodontic rehabilitation of oral cancer patients following ablative surgery. Craig also used the conference as an opportunity to launch his online implant recognition website which must surely provide an invaluable resource for any clinicians struggling to identify unknown implant systems. The day finished with a civic reception by the Mayor of Exeter. Monday featured presentations for the Schottlander Oral and Poster Prizes and the Presidents Prize for the best case report. Rob Jagger & Andrew Juszczyk’s interesting insight into the clinician–technician interface including the poor communication which still exists in many areas stimulated much thought, discussion and challenges especially for those involved in training. The conference dinner was concluded by Kevin Lewis after dinner speech and awarding of the Society prizes and awards, including this year the award of the Society’s Gold Medal to Fraser McCord. On the final day of the conference the President elect, Mark Thomason, spoke on “Implants in use” when he answered the conference question “Do we make a difference” but then asked “do we do enough?”. Finally Francis Nohl gave a presentation on “Hypodontia care” and highlighted the costs of treating these patients and the inadequate payments that Trusts receive for the treatment. During the conference Mrs Rosina Welfare entertained the accompanying persons with a walking tour of the city and a trip to Killerton House and Gardens.

The new President, Mark Thomason (right), receiving his chain of office from the outgoing President, Mr Richard Welfare (left)