Don’t miss the BACD Annual Conference 2026
For clinicians with a passion for exceptional cosmetic dentistry, the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) is key for skill development and career progression. The academy provides a community of professionals who share best practice and can build new frontiers in the field, enabling more patients to enjoy the benefits of ethical care and unbeatable results.
Nowhere is this sense of community and passion more evident than at the BACD Annual Conference. The 2026 event – held on 13th and 14th November in London – is themed “Future Frontiers”. On the busy agenda is a workshop dedicated to BACD Accreditation – an innovative programme that enables professionals to optimise and showcase their skills, recognising their commitment to continued learning and mastery in the field.
Dr Richard Coates and Dr Peter Buchan will co-present “Accreditation – Elevate your career and earn your stripes”, offering their first-hand insights on the process.
Richard draws on over 30 years of experience in dentistry, and he is one of very few professionals in the world to be Accredited by both the BACD and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). He comments on how the process transforms careers:
“BACD Accreditation motivates dentists and dental technicians to drive their career forward. It promotes the importance of continuously improving skills, providing a permit of excellence upon completion. Accredited members are able to increase their profile on a national professional stage, while also beginning their journey towards BACD Fellowship, which is the pinnacle of our educational pathway.
“It’s important that colleagues understand what the process requires and just how big a difference you will see in your skills as you move through the different case types. While no easy feat, Accreditation is very much within the reach of any conscientious dental professional who cares about delivering exceptional patient care. The examiners are kind when reviewing submissions and will offer genuine advice on why some cases may yet need some work. It’s a two-way communication designed to elevate clinical standards for all, with free mentoring and support from the BACD community along the journey.”
BACD Accreditation requires the submission of different case types for evaluation. These include a combination of smile makeover, indirect shade matching, tooth replacement with natural gingival architecture, posterior aesthetics, and complex direct composite bonding, periodontal plastic surgery, complex whitening, and/or minimally invasive technique cases.
Peter is also passionate about BACD Accreditation and what it means for individuals. With more than two decades of experience and multiple awards to his name, Peter is the principal at No9 Dental Practice in West Lothian and a Fellow of the Royal College of surgeon Edinburgh. He says:
“BACD Accreditation is an evolution of the AACD’s programme, but designed specifically for British professionals. It is a benchmark of ability in five core disciplines, showing individuals’ command of cosmetic dentistry. It’s also unique in that it’s not another course you have to pay for – instead it’s about submitting your cases to be evaluated by peers, to receive useful feedback, and to realise any gaps in your knowledge or capabilities. Things are constantly changing in the field, with new restorative materials or shade taking processes constantly being coming to market. Insights from a colleague can provide invaluable motivation to remain at the very cutting-edge of the profession. It’s like rocket fuel that propels you to the next stage of your career.”
Peter goes on to explore some of the topics that will be discussed in the workshop and what attendees can expect to take away with them
“The session will cover further why you should consider Accreditation, how you do it, and how to avoid potential pitfalls, which can be achieved by understanding case difficulty, for example. We will give you practical hints and tips to make the whole process more manageable and straightforward. Time will also be spent breaking down each step so that attendees know exactly what is expected of each case type, why, and how it can be presented.
“It is exciting to meet new people who are considering or who have begun the process, because self-assessment and development can be quite difficult when working in isolation. Being able to meet up with others and have face-to-face conversations is a massive help.”
This workshop is but one aspect of what will be a thrilling programme, set to overflow with clinical updates, peer-to-peer inspiration, and genuine opportunities for personal growth. The BACD 22nd Annual Conference will combine first-class education and internationally renowned speakers with a major trade exhibition, profession-wide networking, and not-to-be-missed social events like the Gala Dinner. Richard says:
“The Annual Conference has it all, with engagement from key AACD members, amazing speakers, a spotlight on state-of-the-art technology, and the networking and joy that come from the Gala Dinner.”
Peter agrees with the sentiment, adding:
“It’s also a great chance to reconnect with friends and colleagues that you don’t get to see every day. I go every year and this is absolutely a highpoint for me!”
Join likeminded professionals as they explore what the future of cosmetic dentistry could look like at this year’s BACD Annual Conference. Whether it’s Accreditation, new connections, or an innovative business opportunity, you may just find what you need to elevate your career in the years to come.
BACD 22nd Annual Conference
13th and 14th November, London
Pre-sales are open at www.bacd.com
