Professor Rebecca Harris of the University of Liverpool has become the 44th president of the British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry (BASCD).
In addition to the inauguration, delegates to the Presidential Spring Scientific meeting in Queen’s College, Oxford University witnessed the launch of a contemporary, fresh look to the logo, incorporating the society’s new strapline ‘Because healthy mouths matter’, which describes the essence of the BASCD philosophy. The new branding extends to a new Twitter handle (@bascd_uk), and the redesign of the associated journal website, Community Dental Health.
Eric Rooney, deputy chief dental officer for England and the previous BASCD president presented a new presidential medal incorporating the new logo.
Professor Harris, the new BASCD president said: ‘The new medal feels like it marks the beginning of a new BASCD era. It was so exciting to see so many young people really enjoying the conference, making new friends and taking their place as the next generation of dental public health practitioners and academics. The beautiful setting of an old Oxford college and spectacularly sunny weather made sure we will all remember it for a long time to come.’
High profile speakers
The presidential conference theme of ‘Working through networks’ included many high profile speakers, including Sir Muir Gray (pioneer of NHS screening programmes and creator of the National Library for Health), deputy chief dental officer of England Janet Clarke, chief dental officer of Wales Colette Bridgman, and chief dental officer of Scotland Margie Taylor. Insights into influencing high level health strategy were also provided by John Gisborne (managing director of the global health communications firm FleishmanHillard Fishburn) and Professor Susan Jebb (the UK government’s adviser on obesity).
The conference, which took place over 6-7 April, attracted a wide range of delegates, some from around the world, including a number from New Zealand.
Focused on a community engagement theme ‘Working with communities’, the autumn BASCD scientific conference will be in London on Thursday 16 November 2017.
