With support from the Bangor Fund, Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy students have benefited from an opportunity to attend the British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show at the NEC Birmingham. The event provides valuable exposure to the wider dental profession, helping students build professional networks, explore career opportunities and gain insight into developments across the sector.
As one of the UK's leading events for dental professionals, the conference brings together practitioners, industry experts, professional associations, suppliers and employers from across the dental community. Through presentations, exhibitions and networking opportunities, students engage directly with professionals from a range of fields, gaining a broader understanding of dentistry beyond their academic and clinical training.
Attendance at the conference enables students to explore emerging technologies, innovative approaches to patient care and the latest developments shaping the future of dentistry. The experience also highlights the diverse career pathways available within the profession and encourages students to begin thinking about their future professional development.
Engagement with the wider dental community reinforces the importance of lifelong learning and continuing professional development. By interacting with employers, professional bodies and specialists, students gain valuable insights into the skills, knowledge and connections that support long-term career success.
The event also provides opportunities for students to learn collaboratively, share experiences and strengthen connections with their peers, helping to build confidence and foster a supportive learning environment.
Mari Morgan, Lecturer in Healthcare Sciences (Dental Hygiene), said:
One of the most valuable aspects of this opportunity is the chance for students to experience dentistry beyond their immediate academic and clinical environment. Engaging with industry representatives, professional associations, specialists and potential employers helps them develop a broader understanding of the profession, explore future career pathways, and begin building the professional networks that can support their long-term career development and employability."
The Bangor Fund, made possible through alumni donations and administered by the Development and Alumni Relations Office, supports projects such as this that provide students with valuable opportunities beyond the curriculum.
Photo Gallery: Dentistry Students at the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show