The British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT) has announced Bal Chana as its new president and Kira Stearns as its chair following the AGM on Friday 10 September.
Bal hosted the presidential dinner which celebrated 50 years of dental therapy training.
Dame Margaret Seward was the after-dinner speaker.
The BADT celebrated its golden jubilee in style at the Cumberland Hotel in London’s West End with the dinner and a programme that included technical and scientific sessions and practical sessions.
Bal Chana qualified at The London Hospital as a dental hygienist and therapist in 1992 and then worked in the community dental service where she gained a wealth of experience.
After two years tutoring at the Eastman Dental Hospital, she joined the team at Bart’s and The London, where she currently holds the position of deputy principal dental hygiene and therapy tutor.
She also continues to work part-time in a general dental practice, and also as a DCP Inspector for the General Dental Council.
Bal represented the British Association of Dental Therapists on a number of boards in her previous position as immediate past chair. She hopes to continue her role as an ambassador within her new role as President.
She was the first dental therapist to receive the accolade for Dental Therapist of the Year in 2006.
Kira Stearns qualified as a dental hygienist, and with distinction as a dental therapist from Bart’s and The Royal London Hospital in 2000.
After qualification she worked in a variety of settings including private and NHS general practice, specialist paediatric practice and the community dental service.
Since 2002 Kira has been involved in teaching dental hygiene/therapy students at the Royal London Hospital, University of Portsmouth and currently at Kings College Hospital.
Kira has been involved in the development of the first Dental Therapists Vocational Training Scheme in England and is employed as Training Programme Director to the scheme in Oxford and Wessex deaneries.
She has been actively involved in the British Association of Dental Therapists, previously as London regional representative and trade liaison co-ordinator.
Kira is committed to raising the profile of dental therapists in the dental profession and enhancing teamwork in dentistry.
For more information about the British Association of Dental Therapists, visit www.badt.org.uk.
