How quickly has technology evolved in the last 50 years? Or even the last 5? The rate in which innovative solutions are emerging seems to increase exponentially, and in dentistry it remains a challenge to identify the ones that will most support your clinical workflow.
This is where events like the BACD 22nd Annual Conference help. Along with the trade displaying the latest advancements, the rich educational programme of lectures and hands-on workshops ensures all those with an interest in cosmetic dentistry are kept up-to-date on the latest products and techniques learning how they can decern the great from the gimmick. This is especially true for this year, with the theme being “Future Frontiers – Innovating Cosmetic Dentistry.”
Discussion and demonstration sit at the heart of decision-making – you are more likely to discover the technology that will best help you by seeing it or hearing about it first-hand. The Annual Conference offers a brilliant opportunity to do so, with Dr Oliver Harman, Dr Neil Gerrard and Dr Ken Harris – all BACD Fellows – delivering a hands-on workshop in which each of the three will share invaluable insights accrued from decades of experience. Dr Harman sets the scene for the session:
“The workshop will be tailored to our audience. By finding out what digital solutions the participants have or are interested by, Dr Harris, Dr Gerrard and I can ensure we cover a full spectrum of ideas and really make sure that everyone gets something out of it. We will encourage plenty of discussion – this is a great opportunity to see how we each individually work compared with other attendees. Digital dentistry is a recent phenomenon, and none of us are experts, but our personal perceptions can be enhanced by hearing from each other – in this new world we are all learning together.
“I will focus on “Is Analogue Still Relevant?” and review the transition to the digital aesthetic dental age. I will address the benefits and pitfalls of a purely digital workflow and identify when a hybrid approach can help, or when perhaps a traditional analogue workflow still remains the gold standard. The pool of wet-fingered classically trained dental technician/ceramist is drying up fast. I want to show how digital dentistry can help us work with the new breed of technician that are fundamentally CAD designers but also point out the warning signs for where it can go horribly wrong.”
Dr Harman was one of the first Accredited BACD members, reflecting a long-standing relationship with the UK’s largest cosmetic dental network. He reflects on his clinical journey:
“I met Dr Harris and Dr Gerrard through the BACD and we became the first Fellows of the BACD. Despite our careers seemingly running parallel, we have very different approaches and experiences. Dr Harris, for example had run highly successful independent cosmetic dental practices in the Northeast, heavily influenced by the teaching of the great John Kois, Dr Gerrard uniquely worked in partnership with his technician brother Paul providing exceptional cosmetic dental care in Bristol, whereas I have spent most of the last 25 years working in the corporate world in the London, Kent and now with BUPA Dentalcare the north West. The three of us emerged as dentists in an analogue era, learning the craft traditionally. In time, I adapted to the widening digital frontier, especially in the years since the pandemic. Understanding new technology can be a great challenge, but I believe embracing digital dentistry holds the key to truly unlock our treatment capabilities.
“The BACD has always put on a superb Annual Conference. Whilst the focus has changed over the years, such as a having a greater emphasis on composite materials rather than ceramics, the camaraderie remains a core value and the networking value is superb. For dentists at the start of their cosmetic journey, the biggest benefit is the inspiration; seeing international and homegrown lecturers do what they do best is truly rewarding and encouraging. There is also an intimacy to the Annual Conference as it gathers 200 like-minded professionals and puts them in a cosy, friendly environment where discussion is constant. Younger dentists can improve their exposure and develop the relationships or even find the jobs they need to enhance their career. In short: it is unmissable.”
Dr Harman’s session will run alongside Dr Gerrard’s and Dr Harris’ for an exciting 3-for-1 workshop. Book your place today and hear from three BACD legends on the risks, approaches and benefits of digital dentistry!
BACD 22nd Annual Conference
13- 14 November 2026
Royal College of Physicians
For further information and enquiries about the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry visit www.bacd.com
