It is a massive honour for me to be installed as the President of the Association's Northern Ireland Branch for 2023. This year the branch is celebrating 100 years of its formation after coming into existence on 27 January 1923. It is amazing that on the same date, 100 years later, I will be installed as the latest NI Branch President.
The importance of communication
Working as a General Dental Practitioner for over 20 years, and a part-time undergraduate clinical tutor, it will come as no surprise that my CPD offering within the 2023 programme focuses on clinical practice and communication.
We have put together a range of educational and social events.
The NI Branch has returned to much needed face-to-face meetings again and, as you will see in the programme, we have put together a range of educational and social events throughout the centenary year.
These events are important for our continuing dental education. However, given the challenges of the past few years, I believe it is more importantly the opportunity to come out, meet colleagues, and re-connect with each other.
Opportunities to connect
After serving as social secretary on Branch Council for many years, it would be amiss of me to not draw your attention to two of the upcoming social events in 2023. The events provide a chance to meet colleagues to socialise, learn new things, and have some fun.
The events provide a chance to meet colleagues to socialise, learn new things, and have some fun.
On Friday 27 January 2023 the Presidential Installation Dinner will be held in the stunning surroundings of The Great Hall at Queens University, Belfast, secondly, mark the date in your diary for the Centenary Gala Ball, which will be held in Belfast City Hall on Saturday 7 October 2023. This is the perfect event for a reunion and surely an event not to be missed!
Both events are open to members and non-members. If you have never attended one before take the opportunity and get in touch with your colleagues, especially those you have not seen for a while, and get booking.
Looking ahead
The past few years have been challenging on many fronts for everyone. I hope that in my year as President the programme we have put together as a Branch will give our colleagues, from all aspects of the profession, the opportunity to re-connect and build stronger relationships with others.