Canine Guidance….

It is coming up to a year since I spoke to the Early Career Group (ECG) about mucogingival surgery and crown lengthening. Being asked was something of a surprise and it was a genuine pleasure to share my experiences as a specialist in practice with them. With that in mind, it felt fitting to dedicate this Newsletter to the ECG.

For inspiration, possibly tenuously, we have just welcomed another dog into the house. I had considered writing a piece about how Otto is teaching Ralph, his new younger brother how things work around here. However, that would not be entirely true. Otto is mostly indignant about the competition for attention, toys and food.

What is true, though, is that Ralph watches Otto’s every move, fascinated by the older, wiser role-model. It may be a cliché to say that his mind is a sponge, but it is remarkable what he is already picking up. A few years ago, Otto learned to push a chair from under the kitchen table so he could climb up, sit, and watch the world go by. Earlier this week, I walked into the kitchen to find Ralph, just 12 weeks old, perched on a chair, looking as though he was about to chair a board meeting. I am not convinced he knew why he was there, only that it seemed like the right thing to do because his mentor did it.

The Early Career Group was established 11 years ago during Professor Iain Chapple’s Presidential year. At that time, he recognised that the BSP needed to do more than simply include its younger members. It needed to actively invest in them and provide a meaningful platform. He understood the importance of creating a space where early-career professionals could build connections, gain experience and develop a collective voice within the Society. Crucially, it was about integrating the future of the BSP into its present.

Iain brought this idea to life by organising an informal meeting at his Conference in Birmingham, bringing together postgraduate students and recently qualified specialists. It created an opportunity for open conversation, shared ideas and ultimately the formation of the Early Career Group. Dr Rajan Nansi was appointed as its first Chair. Rajan’s contribution to the Society did not end there, as he remained closely involved and went on to become President in 2022. A clear reflection on Iain’s original vision.

Today, the Early Career Group plays a fundamental role within the Society. At the annual conference, it hosts a social event that brings members together in a more relaxed and informal setting. It provides an open and supportive forum where members can share their experiences, both positive and challenging, and develop a sense of community with peers at a similar stage in their careers. It also offers the opportunity to build connections beyond the confines of individual institutions, fostering friendships and professional relationships that may last throughout a career spanning decades.

The Group also has a strong voice in shaping the Society’s educational offering. It contributes to discussions around webinar topics and is instrumental in organising ECG Masterclass events collaborative Study Days. This ensures that educational content remains relevant, practical and aligned with the needs of early-career professionals, often to the benefit of the wider membership as well.

Beyond education and networking, the Early Career Group has a direct influence on the direction of the Society. The ECG Chair sits on Council and is part of the Operational Planning Group, helping drive the Society’s Strategic Plan forward. This level of meaningful involvement is something the entire membership can take pride in and it speaks to the Society’s commitment to nurturing its future leaders.

Best wishes

Paul

Dr Paul Baker

BSP President 2026