Dr Phil Tomson, President of the British Endodontic Society (BES), discusses his key aims for his presidential term, his hopes for the future of the Society, and shares his excitement for the events of the coming year:
My main focus for the coming year is a campaign around vital pulp therapy. I think this will be the next big major development in what we do in endodontics. I feel that vital pulp therapy has been pushed to the side and, until now, has not been widely recognised as a predictable treatment. However, there is a building clinical evidence base which suggests it can be predictable in a number of different presentations. We have been discussing the treatment approach in the endodontic community for some time now, and my aim is to raise awareness of vital pulp therapy amongst GDPs and change the culture of how a vital pulp is managed. In reality, it is GDPs who treat the most endodontic cases, so extending education and awareness in these circles will enable us to have the biggest impact. This is a project that is close to my heart as it relates to my own original research in pulp biology.
On the topic of education, I am really excited to announce that the BES is hosting a series of webinars which will be released over the coming year. This is a part of our aim to increase the resources available to members, and to draw in those who are interested in endodontics and are keen to learn more. This is a really exciting initiative, and one which I hope will have a big impact on the field.
In addition to its reputation for growth and education in endodontics, the Society prides itself on supporting its members in their professional journeys. One way that it does this is through its Awards and Prizes, presented to members of the BES for a wide range of achievements. These aim to acknowledge accomplishments, support and fund research, and recognise excellent work. Phil, himself, has benefitted from this, and shares his experience and the impact it has had on his career.
I have been very lucky to be supported and encouraged by the BES since I graduated. In 2001, I won the Vocational Training Prize which gave me the opportunity to attend a BES Regional Meeting. At this meeting, I was able to see some brilliant speakers and interact with some great people who are now friends! This set me on my path which has led me to where I am today.
Further to the BES’s many initiatives for its members, the Society hosts two main meetings every year. These events aim to bring members together to learn, network, and spend time with friends and colleagues. They are highly anticipated events in the endodontic calendar, and are not to be missed. Phil discusses the upcoming Regional Meeting, set to be held in November.
I am really excited about this year’s Regional Meeting, which is set to be held at The Belfry Hotel, in Birmingham. This is an excellent venue, and we expect a real community atmosphere amongst us all. We are looking forward to hearing from some great speakers at this event, who will cover a wide range of topics relating to endodontics. I hope this will be an enriching experience for all of our attendees.
Looking to the year ahead, Phil discusses projects to come, and those already underway.
At current, within the BES Teachers’ Group, we are working to develop a set of standards for undergraduate teaching which we hope will help guide and shape dental education in the future. Additionally, over the coming year, we will be revising the BES Guide to Good Endodontic Practice, which has already been of great use to many dental professionals in the UK and around the world.
For more information about the BES, or to join, please visit the website www.britishendodonticsociety.org.uk or call 07762945847
