Maintaining education, inclusion and community ­as the BACD moves ahead

  Posted by: Dental Design      8th November 2024

Dr Luke Hutchings has just come to the end of his term as President of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD). He reflects on what the BACD’s goals were during his Presidency year and how these were achieved:

“At the start of my term, when asked about my plans, I said that while it might sound unexciting, our priority was simply to keep steering the ship. The direction of the Academy had already been well established, and our focus was on staying the course with hard work and a steady hand on the rudder. Thankfully, we’ve managed to navigate this year without encountering too many storms along the way.

“In particular, my primary goal as President was to continue to elevate the standards of cosmetic dentistry across the UK by focusing on three main areas: education, inclusion and community.

“For education, we aimed to enrich our members’ skill sets through high-quality training and continuing education. Much of this was free to members this year. I also worked hard to ensure that the BACD continued to be an inclusive and welcoming organisation, attracting a diverse group of professionals. We have always focused on being an equal opportunity Academy, and I very much believe in ensuring that the best person for a job is prioritised. Finally, we’ve always tried to place community at the heart of everything we do at the BACD. We have connected with our members at social events and educational meetings. We will also continue to champion the growth and development of our members and share joy in their successes.”

Luke is keen to acknowledge the professionals around him that have supported his role this past year and continue to drive the BACD forwards. He adds:

“I am immensely proud of the continued hard work and perseverance of my board and committee members. I have never met a more supportive, professional and well considered group of individuals. They have all been tireless in the pursuit of excellence, whether that be increasing membership benefits, planning educational meetings or simply trying to communicate with the membership. I can’t thank them enough!”
While it has been an excellent year for the BACD, the past 12 months have not been without their challenges. As are being experienced by individuals and organisations alike, the nationwide economy and changing political landscape has created hurdles for everyone to overcome. Luke comments:

“While not entirely unexpected, the challenges of leading a large organisation in a post-pandemic world remain significant. We’ve had to put in considerable effort to ensure we provide the best value for our members, carefully balancing costs while maintaining high-quality events, speakers and social gatherings. It’s been a delicate process, but one that has strengthened our focus on delivering exceptional experiences.

“With this in mind, I would like to once again thank our colleagues within the dental trade for their unwavering support throughout this year, sponsoring our events and offering invaluable support to our members.”

Looking to the future, the BACD will remain dedicated to its members and facilitating the advancement of ethical, cosmetic dentistry in the UK. From the Annual Conference to Accreditation, and everything in-between, the BACD offers individuals the opportunity to develop their skills and thrive in their careers. It also does this while providing a network for support at every step of the way. Luke concludes:
“To current and future members of the BACD, I would say that the Academy remains a place where innovation, collaboration and excellence come together. Whether you are just starting your journey in cosmetic dentistry or have been practising for decades, the BACD is here to support you, challenge you and help you grow.

“We are more than just a professional organisation; we are a community that thrives on shared knowledge, ethical practice and continuous improvement. I encourage you to take advantage of the incredible resources available – whether that is learning from the leading experts and mentors within the organisation, attending conferences, or simply networking with peers who share your passion for cosmetic dentistry. The future of this field is incredibly exciting, and together, we can shape that future for the better.”

For more information about the BACD, please visit www.bacd.com