Dr Howard Lloyd discusses the table clinic he’ll be presenting at the upcoming British Endodontic Society (BES) Regional Meeting this November. The theme for this year’s event is ‘The impossible is nothing: pushing the limits of endodontic treatment’, and will be held in Oxford on Friday 20th – Saturday 21st November 2026. Titled ‘Thirty years of mistakes, observations, surprises and lessons learned – and how they changed the way I practise” Dr Lloyd explains what attendees can expect from his session, and the main takeaways:
“My table clinic will explore some of the lessons that experience teaches but textbooks often do not. Drawing on over thirty years of specialist practice, I will discuss how clinical judgement develops, how decision-making changes over time, and what I have learned from colleagues, mentors, patients and people from a wide range of backgrounds. The emphasis will be less on techniques and technology, and more on practical wisdom that can help clinicians navigate the uncertainties of everyday endodontic practice.
“One of the themes of the session is that valuable lessons can come from unexpected places. Some of the ideas I will discuss have their roots in conversations with colleagues, observations from other disciplines, and experiences that had little to do with dentistry at first glance. The session aims to encourage attendees to remain curious, open-minded and willing to learn from those around them throughout their careers.
“I hope attendees will leave with a greater appreciation of the role of judgement in endodontics. We will discuss common pitfalls, difficult decisions, lessons learned from successes and failures, and some of the small changes in thinking that can make a significant difference to clinical outcomes.
“The session is designed to encourage reflection rather than prescribe a particular technique. My hope is that delegates will return to practice with a few practical ideas that help them assess cases more effectively, communicate more confidently with patients and colleagues, and approach challenging situations with greater clarity.”
For those who haven’t attended before, Dr Lloyd discusses the unique benefits of the table clinic format:
“The small group format allows genuine discussion. Attendees can ask questions, challenge ideas, share experiences and explore real-world scenarios in a way that is often difficult in a larger lecture setting. Some of the most valuable learning comes from conversation rather than presentation.”
“I’d encourage attendees to visit my table clinic because it is not a session about the latest gadget, technique or protocol. Instead, it is a discussion about the lessons that emerge over a professional lifetime and how they can help us make better decisions for our patients. I hope attendees will find it thought-provoking, practical and enjoyable.
“Importantly, I do not see this as a one-way conversation. One of the great strengths of a table clinic is that we can learn from each other. Every clinician brings different experiences, perspectives and lessons learned, and some of the most valuable insights often emerge through discussion rather than presentation alone.”
Discussing the benefits of the BES in general, Dr Lloyd explains why he’d encourage those with an interest in endodontics to become members:
“I would absolutely recommend dentists to join. The British Endodontic Society provides access to high-quality education, current evidence, professional support and a community of colleagues who are willing to share their knowledge and experience. Whether you are a GDP with an interest in endodontics or a specialist, it is an excellent environment in which to learn and develop.”
To hear more from Dr Howard Lloyd, alongside fellow table clinic speakers Dr Claudia Brown, Dr Melanie Kidner, and Dr Fiona McMichen, and Guest Speakers Dr Fabio Gorni, Dr Massimo Giovarruscio, Dr John Rhodes, and Dr Tiago Pimentel, join us for the BES Regional Meeting 2026.
For more information about the BES, or to join, please visit the website www.britishendodonticsociety.org.uk or call 07762945847
