The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) was proud to host this year’s European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) Annual Conference, held from 1st to 4th July in the historic city of Liverpool. The 18th EAPD Congress brought together clinicians, academics, researchers, and policy leaders from across Europe for four days of shared learning and celebration of children and young people’s oral health.
Dr Urshla (Oosh) Devalia OBE, BSPD President said:
“It was an absolute honour to welcome colleagues from across Europe to Liverpool for EAPD 2026. Our speciality may look different from country to country, but our mission is deeply shared: to advocate for the oral health of all children and young people, especially those who are vulnerable or living with complex needs. Liverpool’s spirit of openness, curiosity, and community felt perfectly aligned with the values of paediatric dentistry, and I am delighted that BSPD could host such an inspiring and forward-looking programme.”
Liverpool, renowned for its cultural heritage, innovation, and strong sense of community, provided a fitting backdrop for a meeting dedicated to advancing paediatric dentistry.
During the opening session, Professor Ferranti Wong, representing the EAPD Committee, spoke about the importance of strengthening Europe-wide collaboration in paediatric dentistry. He highlighted the value of shared learning across borders, the need to champion excellence in clinical practice and research, and the role of EAPD in amplifying a unified European voice for children’s oral health.
Professor Sondos Albadri, Chair of the Local Organising Committee, reflected on the significance of hosting the Congress in Liverpool. She emphasised the city’s heritage of innovation and community, the strength of the scientific programme, and the importance of creating spaces where clinicians, researchers, and educators can come together to exchange ideas and shape the future of paediatric dentistry. She also acknowledged the dedication of colleagues who contributed to developing a programme that reflects the breadth and depth of the speciality.
Shared priorities across Europe
In her welcome address, Dr Devalia emphasised that collaboration has always been the ‘beating heart’ of paediatric dentistry, noting that while structures, commissioning models, and workforce arrangements vary across Europe, the priorities remain unified: compassionate, evidence-based, high-quality dental care for every child and young person.
She highlighted the central role of research in driving improvement, informing policy, and strengthening a collective European voice for children’s oral health. Dr Devalia also reflected on the BSPD President’s Charter, launched during her presidency, which calls for meaningful reform in children’s oral health across the UK. Its principles of prevention first, equity, trauma-informed care, and cross-sector collaboration resonate strongly with EAPD’s values.
A celebration of excellence
The 2026 programme showcased the breadth and depth of paediatric dentistry, with sessions ranging from minimally invasive clinical techniques to innovative prevention programmes and service transformation initiatives. Delegates also engaged with the latest research through the EAPD 2026 Abstract Book, contributing to a vibrant and collaborative scientific community.
BSPD proud to host EAPD 2026
Hosting the EAPD Annual Conference in Liverpool marks an important milestone in BSPD’s international collaboration. The Society looks forward to building on the partnerships forged at EAPD 2026 to improve the oral health of children and young people across Europe.
