Dr Michael Gray graduated from Bristol Dental School in 2009, continuing his training for a further 4 years in the hospital system. Now focused on aesthetic and surgical dentistry, Dr Gray delivers a range of treatments at Parkway Clinic in South Wales, from composite bonding to complex cases of full mouth rehabilitation, incorporating his surgical background to aid function and aesthetics for his patients.
On the current challenges facing cosmetic dental clinicians, Dr Gray highlights the sheer scope of the profession:
“Cosmetic dentistry is an enormous subject. The variety of treatments is vast, with ever-emerging techniques and products that switch things up. Those at the start of their cosmetic journey may find themselves asking ‘how can we understand it all?’ I think the answer is that you don’t have to – applying what you know correctly is more important. The key is to navigate the minutiae of the cosmetic world without getting lost in it; to have a strong overview but also to really focus on specific aspects that you most connect with.”
The BACD 22nd Annual Conference takes place on 13-14 November 2026 and is an unmissable opportunity for those looking to hone their knowledge and skills for all things cosmetic dentistry related. As part of the event’s rich educational programme, Dr Gray will be delivering a workshop that is a must for those interested in limited preparation ceramic veneers. He outlines its content:
“I am thrilled to be presenting at the BACD Annual Conference. The workshop’s title is ‘POISE Protocol: A Predictable Digital Workflow for Limited Preparation Ceramic’ and I will walk delegates through each step of my restorative workflow, from assessment to fit. The relationship between clinician and technician sits at the heart of cosmetic dentistry, and the POISE Protocol emerged from a collaborative and highly practical approach to undertaking laboratory work. It is a predictable digital workflow for limited preparation ceramic veneers where enamel preservation, functional aesthetics and efficient clinical execution are a major focus.
“The aim is to provide delegates with an improved understanding of case selection, treatment planning and risk assessment for minimally invasive aesthetic dentistry. It will also reinforce the role that digital workflows, smile design and prototype techniques play to enhance communication, efficiency and clinical outcomes. I also hope to develop their confidence in enamel-preserving preparation techniques.
“By the end of the workshop, delegates will be able to identify suitable and unsuitable cases for limited preparation ceramic veneers using the POISE Protocol. Other invaluable technical skills that you will return to the practice with include interpreting and utilising the Digital Preparation Map for veneer preparations, fabricating and assessing prototypes using bilaminar stents, and injection moulding techniques. In effect: a more predictable and repeatable cosmetic dental treatment workflow.”
The BACD 22nd Annual Conference will mark Dr Gray’s first. Networking and connection are the foundation for continuing professional growth, and Dr Gray identifies the value of attending the event:
“I love to interact with other dental professionals, from clinicians to technicians. Being able to have such interactions in a face-to-face capacity is as exciting as it is good for you; we know that dentistry is a difficult and often stressful job, with mental health problems becoming increasingly common. The benefit of events like the Annual Conference is that it’s a great place for like-minded people to come together and support each other; to have fun whilst also expanding our knowledge and skills.
“The line-up of speakers this year is particularly incredible – Dr Markus. B Blatz is one of the headline speakers and I have the pleasure of calling him a friend; a rare breed in this profession of an amazing academic mind but with an incredible pair of hands to back it up, so I can’t wait to catch up with him. I look forward to seeing you there.”
The theme of this year’s conference is “Future Frontiers – Innovating Cosmetic Dentistry”, and the event will be held at The Royal College of Physicians in London. All those with an interest in cosmetic dentistry, from experienced clinicians and technicians to those newly emerging, will benefit from the lectures, hands-on workshops and social events that form the BACD’s outstanding programme. Book your pre-sale tickets now!
Get your pre-sale tickets today at: https://bacd.com/pre-sale-bacd-22nd-annual-conference-2026/
The BACD 22nd Annual Conference
13-14 November 2026
The Royal College of Physicians, London
For further information and enquiries about the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry visit www.bacd.com
