Local Dental Committees (LDCs) represent the profession locally. They discuss relations with the Primary Care Trusts (PCTs), staffing and workforce, or dental education. Every year, the 130 or so LDCs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland hold a conference to discuss some of the more national issues that affect the whole profession.
Though Conference is independent of the BDA, we assist the Conference in providing administrative support, hosting regular meetings of the organising committee, collating motions, and helping the Treasurer collect subscriptions. Indeed the events side of the Conference is organised by former BDA employee, Katherine Fort.
LDC Conference 2009
This year, LDC Conference was held at the Tower Hotel, next to Tower Bridge in London. The evening dinner proved popular and entertainment was provided by the comedian, Marcus Brigstocke.
The Conference was chaired by Jerry Asquith and the day proved to be an interesting one, particularly in light of the timing of the Conference; as it came just a few days before the publication of Professor Jimmy Steele’s review of NHS dentistry.
Professor Steele spoke about his work at the Conference, giving an interesting insight into the processes of consultation and research that have led him to his conclusions.
Jerry Asquith handed over as Chair of Conference to Richard Emms, who has now been installed until the Conference in June 2010. At this year’s Conference, Mick Armstrong was voted ‘Chair elect’ and will therefore chair the LDC Conference in 2011.
A number of motions covering issues from LDC representation through to improving the contractual performance management of NHS dentistry were debated by Conference.
The Conference voted to discontinue its meetings with the Department of Health and health ministers, in order that the profession be able to ‘speak with one voice’, through the General Dental Practice Committee.
To download the full 2009 LDC Conference Report click below.
Further information about this year's Conference can be found by visiting the LDC Conference website.
Reports of previous conferences can be downloaded below.
