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The role of the Welsh Council is to consider all matters relating to dentistry in Wales and is a repository of knowledge and expertise on these matters. Issues which fall under its remit include wider professional issues beyond the interests of the various ‘crafts’, such as European and international dental issues, undergraduate and postgraduate dental education, and ethical and workforce issues.

Our priorities

  • Advise the PEC on all matters relating to dentistry and dental policy within Wales
  • Facilitate external expert and member input to dental policy formation
  • Debate the activities of the PEC without prejudice to the rights of the membership
  • To liaise with branches and sections in Wales.

Our team

Chair of Welsh Council

David Johnson

Dr David Johnson is a Wolfson Foundation Scholar graduating from Cardiff Dental School in 2001. David has worked in the Community Dental Service or the past 18 years, having previously worked in General Practice and Cardiff Dental School, where he held a position of Honorary Clinical Lecturer in Oral Medicine. David is currently working as a Dental Officer in the Bridgend area treating special needs children and adults for Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB. Outside of work David lectures nationally on the use of Acupuncture within Dentistry as an adjunct to treatment and as a means of pain and anxiety control; with delegates travelling from overseas to attend the courses that he teaches for the British Dental Acupuncture Society. When not lecturing, he promotes and works with Bridge2Aid, a dental charity providing vital dental pain relief training and for healthcare workers to deliver sustainable dentistry in the developing world.
Vice Chair of Welsh Council

Shilpa Chaudhry

Shilpa Chaudhry graduated from Cardiff Dental School in 1988 and worked in Swansea for one year, where she did her VT. Shilpa then moved to Leicester for 18 months as an associate and eventually returned to Wales and joined a practice in Aberdare as an associate in 1991. Shilpa purchased the practice in Aberdare as a partner in 2006. The practice has evolved from a 3-chair practice to a 5-chair practice and is 100% NHS. Shilpa is passionate about NHS values and has been actively involved in the pilot contract changes (preventative dental care for children and young people 2010/11 and currently with contract reform). Shilpa's practice has been a DFT practice since 2016. Shilpa has always been keen to be an early adopter with new initiatives so she can pave the way for younger colleagues. She hopes her 30 years in NHS dentistry can offer some experience.


Get involved and get in touch

Welsh Council provide the link between the BDA's membership and the policy decisions taken on their behalf. It represents you and encourages you to get involved in BDA activity.