Laura Irving, a final year dental surgery student at the University of Central Lancashire, shares her experience of winning the Undergraduate Research Prize awarded by the British Endodontic Society (BES):
“As a final year BDS student at the University of Central Lancashire, I decided to enter the BES Undergraduate Research Prize. I chose to investigate the link between Antibiotic Resistance and the future of endodontology. Whilst writing this essay, I came across a wealth of new information and research, which I found incredibly interesting but also very useful. As an undergraduate, patient cases can be quite limited, meaning exposure to certain problems may not be encountered during this training period. At the very least, if we have a theoretical knowledge of how to manage them, we can employ this when the need arises.
“I was over the moon to find out I had been awarded the prize from the BES. I felt incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to attend such a wonderful event, and the prize money was very welcome! All of the attendees I spoke to at the dinner and conference were clearly so knowledgeable and passionate, but also so supportive and interested in myself, which was really lovely.
“I would urge any undergraduate student to enter for BES awards. At the very least you will gain a deeper understanding and confidence in your own practice, but at best you may find yourself attending a wonderful event and feeling inspired to become an endodontist one day…”
There are a wide range of awards and prizes on offer from the BES, enabling members at various stages of their careers to be in with a chance of winning. The winner of the Undergraduate Research Prize receives a prize of £1,000, and is invited to present details of their project at the annual Spring Scientific Meeting. Visit the BES website to find out more about awards and prizes, and how to enter.
For more information about the BES, or to join, please visit the website www.britishendodonticsociety.org.uk or call 07762945847
