This past year has been particularly tough for dental students. COVID-19 has stopped them from supplementing their loans by working part-time and some also saw a reduction in the financial support their families could provide. Students from single parent families; with a disability; who have been suffering from an illness; or who are doing their second degree have been particularly struggling. 20% of all applications to the BDA Benevolent Fund come from dental students, and the Charity helps by offering means tested grant support to those who need it.
If you’re interested in supporting this great work, you may wish to consider running in the Virtual Virgin Money London Marathon or sharing your experiences with their Advisory Council:
Run a marathon for the BDA Benevolent Fund
Could you be one of the three runners to run the Virtual Virgin Money London Marathon on behalf of the BDA Benevolent Fund this year? You’ll have a full 24 hours to complete your 26.2 miles on Sunday 3 October and can do it anywhere in the country, so don’t miss out! It’s a great way of raising awareness and funds. If you are interested, please complete an expression of interest form by 9am Monday 12 April. Runners will be shortlisted, chosen and notified by Friday 16 April. If you’re not interested in running a marathon, don’t worry, you can also support this work by donating directly.
Encourage students to attend the upcoming Advisory Council
The BDA Benevolent Fund are also looking for students to attend its next virtual Advisory Council meeting on Saturday 24 April at 10.30am. The Advisory Council’s purpose is to provide an opportunity for guidance, support, and advice to the charity’s Board of Trustees. They are particularly keen to understand how best to promote its work to dental students and so would welcome undergraduates, recent graduates and those that work at universities across the UK to participate.