A note from our President…

I think I spoke too soon when I said that May was a busy month, as June has been off the scale!

I had a great few days in Copenhagen and must commend the EFP on putting together such a fantastic international congress. It was a great learning opportunity and I congratulate the organising committee on their sterling programme and turnout this year. I’m sure many of you who attended will agree that the theme of sustainability was championed incredibly well and reinforced the take home message that we can all do our part as individuals, and as a community, to live more sustainably, as we strive to protect our delicate and precious Earth. I am also reassured that our Society’s sustainability initiative will also continue to remain a focus of development as we learn from the Federation and other organisations.

I must thank Paula and Tamsin for the amazing stand they decorated for the BSP in the EFP Village, with almost every inch covered in Union Jack coloured balloons and flags. Not to forget that our themed peppermint chocolates also went down a treat with EFP village visitors passing by. I may be biased but I do believe we had the best national stand! It was brilliant to see so many of our friendly U.K. delegation drop by to say hello and have a chat.

In addition, the BSP social event at Brønnum cocktail bar was superbly organised and a wonderful time was had by our members. It’s fair to say along the lines of S Club 7, “there ain ’t no party like a BSP party!”. BSP social events are a perfect opportunity for reunions with friends and colleagues and connecting with other members, old and new. Social media was busy with activity and many of you will have posted and shared lots of images on your own social media channels too – we certainly did!

This month’s newsletter is full of interesting articles. I would strongly encourage our specialist members to complete the short survey, which is being undertaken by The University of Manchester. It goes without saying that research is paramount in underpinning everything we do in periodontology, and it is vitally important that we try to contribute in whatever way we can to improving periodontal care for the future.

On Wednesday this week, we held our second Council meeting of the year. It was especially important as it was not only the first face-to-face meeting of my Presidency but in fact the first since the COVID-19 pandemic began. As always, it was an action-packed meeting filled with passionate discussions about periodontology and strategic initiatives. And, as ever, Council members will have left London with even longer to-do-lists than they arrived with! However, it is these lists and targets that keep us focused on our mission and bring us a certain amount of joy when striking off a completed action.

I’m in awe of the dedication and commitment our members and Council continue to provide for the Society. Whilst we all have busy lives and still manage to fit in time to engage and improve the outlook for our profession and patients, I believe we must always remember to celebrate the small victories made whilst we strive towards our collective goal of “Periodontal Health for a Better Life.”

Please don’t forget that the Early Bird registration rate ends on 31st July for the “New Horizons” BSP Conference (13th-15th October 2022) at The Luton Hoo (Bedfordshire). Conference bookings are surging, so please book your place quickly – Miss it, miss out!

I look forward to seeing you in October for a few days of great learning and fun!