The ceremony took place exactly 100 years from the formation of the Branch on January 27, 1923, in the stunning Great Hall of the Queens University in Belfast.
The ceremony commenced with a drinks and canapé reception, to mark the Branch Centenary year celebration, followed by dinner and speeches in the Great Hall. The event was attended by family, friends, and colleagues from across all fields of the dental profession in Northern Ireland, and beyond.
Speaking on behalf of the guests was Richard Graham, past Chair of the Northern Ireland Dental Practice Committee, who provided an entertaining insight on his current project of writing a history of the Northern Ireland Branch over the past 100 years.
Following the Valedictory address of Outgoing President, Peter Crooks, he presented Philip with the Presidential office chain, installing him as President for 2023.
Peter Crooks presenting Philip McLorinan with the Presidential office chain
Philip is a General Dental Practitioner, practicing for almost 25 years as principal dentist and owner of Dunmurry Dental Practice. He is also a part-time undergraduate clinical tutor at Queens University Belfast and has been an active member of the BDA since his days as a student.
He has served Northern Ireland Branch Council both as Young Dentist Convenor and more recently as Social Secretary, receiving a Certificate of Merit by the BDA in 2021 for his work for the association.
In his presidential acceptance speech, Philip said:
"The past few years have been challenging on many fronts for all. I hope that in my year as President that the programme we have put together will give our colleagues from all aspects of the profession the opportunity to re-connect and build relations with each other."
The 2023 Programme offers a wide range of social and educational events, such as the Centenary Gala Ball to be held in Belfast City Hall in October and professional development programs ranging from managing periodontal disease to tooth wear diagnostics.
The Presidential Installation Dinner, which was a sold-out event, was hugely successful, and it is hoped that the enthusiasm of the profession to re-connect will continue throughout the year ahead.
Guests at the Presidential Installation Dinner
The BDA Northern Ireland Branch would like to thank their 2023 sponsors who provide invaluable support to their work within the dental community: Denplan, DMI, Marlborough Clinic Lab, M&D Financial Services, Haleon and McDowell&Service.
In addition to the Branch educational and social programme, BDA Northern Ireland also supports and represents the interest of all dentists working in Northern Ireland. With our elected committee members, we negotiate on behalf of the profession on terms and conditions, pay and contracts. Join us.