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  2. About us
  3. Our structure
  4. Representative committees
  5. Student Committee

It advocates for the interests of dental students by engaging with dental schools, the Dental Schools Council, COPDEND, and other key stakeholders. It meets twice a year to ensure that there is a regular opportunity for students’ concerns to be aired and addressed.

Student Committee members get the opportunity to shape what the BDA does on behalf of dental students, advocate on behalf of other students, influence national policy, and enjoy excellent networking, leadership and career development opportunities. These opportunities include the potential for mentorship by senior elected members of the BDA through the dedicated Future Leaders Programme.

Our priorities 

The Student Committee’s policy priorities are set out in detail in our Student Manifesto and focus on:

  • Clinical experience
  • Stress and wellbeing
  • Equality, diversity, and inclusion
  • Student finance
  • Dental Foundation Training
  • Student voice

Our team

Each of the UK’s dental schools elects two representatives to the Committee, alongside the Chair and the Vice-Chair. The British Dental Students’ Association President is the Vice Chair of the Committee.

Chair

Jason Stokes

Jason qualified from Birmingham Dental School in 1992. After a brief stint in Birmingham as a Foundation Dentist he moved to Norfolk. Since 2007, he has been the co-owner of the Cathedral Street Dental Practice in Norwich. Jason works in a mixed practice and is an NHS provider and performer. Jason is the Secretary of Norfolk LDC. Jason also works as an Associate Postgraduate Dean for NHSE in the East of England supporting Dental Foundation Training.

Jason Stokes
Vice Chair

Nyah Patel

Vice Chair of the BDA Student Committee, BDSA President 2025-2026.

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Get involved and get in touch 

Read the Student Committee role description to find out more about what being a member of the committee entails. 

Members of the Student Committee are elected by your local dental student society; contact them directly if you are interested in finding out how to get involved. 
 
You can also contact Tim Conolly, Senior Policy Adviser, who would be happy to discuss any queries or provide further information regarding the work of the Committee.