Pre-Conference Dinner

An enjoyable black tie dinner was held in the Stirling Court Hotel. The Chair welcomed delegates and guests and spoke about the current issues facing the profession, highlighting the specific issue of the future career pathway facing associates.

The Chair highlighted that as group practices continue to grow, and principal led practices decline the outlook is challenging at best for the young associate. In these days, the focus of a principal dentist in a group practice might no longer be that of a mentor, but perhaps a non-clinical manager whose mantra is the monthly financial target. Speaking on behalf of the profession the Chair stated whilst they were privileged in being consulted on the “Future of Oral Health in Scotland”, the plight of the associate going ahead must be a priority for our negotiators. Hopefully, with change, will come long term opportunities for those who will be working over the next 20 years, associates, young practice principals and the newer group models. It is so important that these voices are heard in order to shape the future of Dentistry in Scotland.

Towards the end of the meal, the Chair was delighted to present a Lifetime Achievement Award to Keith Fullerton, a recently retired general dental practitioner from Ayrshire and Arran (A&A) LDC. Keith was nominated by his LDC, having joined A&A Area Dental Committee in 1989. He sat on many Dental Service Committees and subsequent Dental Discipline Committees. He was Chair of the ADC from1996-1999. Keith was also part of the A&A Clinical Audit Committee which helped facilitate GDP’s carry out clinical audit in 1995, and was a member of the A&A Oral Health Action Plan Implementation Group which was formed after the 2005 Action Plan. Keith was also instrumental in resurrecting the dormant A&A LDC in 2005.

Following the formal part of the evening, everyone retired to the bar to catch up with colleagues.