Original founders of the Association of Dental Groups (ADG) joined the current board and team for a celebration of the 15th year anniversary of its inauguration. In 2011, ADG’s founders were pioneers who were fundamental to the launch and success of the ADG 15 years ago. Today, with the strong leadership of the ADG board and executive chair, Neil Carmichael, the ADG team is enjoying significant impact with policymakers and stakeholders, whilst planning for the ADG’s even brighter future over the next 15 years.
Neil Carmichael, ADG’s Executive Chair said. “Gathering with ADG colleagues, past and present, was a powerful moment to take stock of the Association’s progress and to look confidently to the future. The ADG stands stronger than ever. With a record 33 member groups representing more than 10,000 dentists and 22,000 GDC registrants, the Association is exceptionally well placed to anticipate developments in UK oral healthcare, navigate emerging challenges and shape the opportunities that will define the next 15 years. The interplay between demographic shifts, technological innovation and a fully utilised workforce will determine whether the profession faces increasing pressure or embraces meaningful transformation. The moment to grasp those opportunities is now.”
The black tie ADG Founders’ Dinner at the RAF Club, Piccadilly on Monday 13th April saw the past and present of the ADG raising a toast together to mark the ADG’s first 15 years – as we look towards the next 15 years of advocating for dentistry in the UK. Present to mark this important moment in the Association’s history was Neil Carmichael who led the celebrations. Neil reminded those gathered of the challenges and achievements secured over the last decade and a half, whilst thanking the founding members who attended and acknowledging the dedication of other board and team members – including Ian Gordon, Nilesh Pandra, Richard Smith, Mark Allan, Jimmey Palahey, Helen Paisley, Pip Dhariwal, Kate Clark, Ruth Chesmore, Sandra White, Chris Groombridge, Mary Dunn, Shalin Mehra, Sam Waley-Cohen and Steve Williams.
Richard Smith, Former ADG Board Member & Founder said: “When we formed the Association of Dental Groups 15 years ago, we were responding to the very real need to have a trade body that would represent all of dentistry in the UK – from NHS provision to private and community-based services. Today, as much as it was back in 2011, it is important that the business of dentistry is understood by decision makers so that policies reflect the reality of the dentistry landscape and enable dental group owners to provide the very best services and care for their patients – whilst ensuring good working environments for their dental teams. I am so proud that today the ADG has grown to represent 33 groups and is a go-to counsel for policymakers. I am looking forward to seeing what the next 15 years will bring.”
In March, the ADG launched a new whitepaper: ‘Futurism & Dental Dynamism: The next 15 years of dentistry’ to MPs and stakeholders in the House of Commons. The report shows three seismic shifts that will impact the provision of dental services in the UK, which included a demographic shift triggered by the UK’s low birthrate and our burgeoning elderly population. The ADG predicts this will have a significant impact on all aspects of oral health care, from workforce considerations to the complexities of caring for an ageing population. Thankfully the industry can look to the growth of AI and digital innovation which, deployed well and safely regulated, will improve patient care. Finally, smart working that uses the workforce’s skill mix to its full scope will provide professional development, encourage loyalty to the profession as well as speed up processes to improve patient access.
