Essex Branch and Essex LDC - Study day 2026

Download the booking form as a word document or pdf file and return to [email protected]

Please email [email protected] with any dietary requirements.

Would you be interested in getting involved in the Essex Branch?

We are looking for enthusiastic members to join the Essex Branch committee. A role on
the committee is a great way to get involved in the BDA at a local level and to help provide and shape local educational and networking events. It’s also great to have on your CV!

A brief description of the different roles in a committee is available here

The Branch has the support of the centrally-based Local Services team who are on hand to help and advise on any aspect of running the Section and planning events.

If interested, or for more information, please contact us at [email protected] 

08:30   Registration 

09:00 Dental ethics

Aim
This session will explore and expand on the GDC Ethical Guidance (Standards). It will use real world scenarios to show where dental team members have "come unstuck" by misunderstanding or misapplying the ethical standards that underpin our profession.

Learning objectives

• Characterise some of the common ethical pitfalls for dentists and their teams
• Define the consequences of breaching the GDC ethical standards
• Demonstrate how to effectively avoid ethical missteps.

Jason Stokes, GDP

10:00 Orthodontic referrals for the GDP and IOTN 

Aim

This session will cover common orthodontic problems related to the development of occlusion in children. It will include an overview of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) and its role in appropriate referrals for orthodontic treatment and guidance on what and when to refer.

Learning objectives

• Recognise orthodontic issues related to development of the teeth, occlusion, jaws and face
• Understand the IOTN and its relevance to referral to specialist orthodontic management
• Assess appropriate timing of orthodontic referrals
• Communicate effectively with orthodontic specialists.

Gareth Davies, Orthodontic Specialist

11:00 Break and refreshments

11:30 Optimal performance: the new gold standard of success

Aim
To help dental professionals understand the link between leadership and wellbeing that prevents burnout and learn practical strategies to enhance performance and resilience.

Learning objectives

• Identify signs of burnout
• Apply emotional regulation and physical performance hacks
• Integrate leadership behaviours that enhance wellbeing and team performance.

Rana Al-Falaki, Specialist Periodontist, Certified Professional Coach, Optimal Performance Strategist, Energy Leadership Master Practitioner, Bestselling Author

12:30 Dental contract reform and communities of practice   

Aim 

To provide an overview of the current dental contract reform proposals 

Learning objectives 

• List the proposed changes 
• Describe what the changes detail 
• Evaluate how the proposals may change their professional practice. 

Nick Barker, Deputy Chief Dental Officer- England Professor of Oral Health Sciences and Programme Lead in MSc in Periodontology at University of Essex 

13:00 Lunch break

14:00 Complaints handling and clinical note keeping

Aim
To look at the importance of complaint handling and its relation to note keeping.

Learning objectives

• Understand complaint handling
• Importance of good communication
• The value of good records.

Bryan Harvey, Senior Dento-Legal Adviser at the DDU and Chair of Essex LDC

15:00 Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ)

Aim

To equip primary care dental practitioners with evidence-based knowledge and practical strategies for the prevention, early recognition, and management of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), ensuring safe and effective care for patients receiving antiresorptive and antiangiogenic therapies.

• Understand MRONJ pathophysiology, definitions, staging, and risk factors 
• Apply national guidance for prevention and management 
• Evaluate evidence-based medical and surgical approaches 
• Communicate effectively with patients and colleagues 
• Uphold ethical responsibilities and reflect on professional development.

Catherine Rowlands, Oral Surgery Registrar

16:00 “There is nothing to be afraid of” guidance for extractions on patients with anticoagulants and other medical issues

Aim

To provide primary care dental practitioners with clear, evidence-based guidance on the safe management of patients taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications, ensuring optimal care and minimising risk of adverse outcomes.

Learning objectives

• Understand common anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs and their actions 
• Apply national guidance for dental care of anticoagulated patients 
• Identify bleeding risks and use evidence-based haemostasis measures 
• Communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams 
• Recognise ethical and consent considerations and reflect on practice.

Catherine Rowlands, Oral Surgery Registrar

17:00 End

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