2009 Student Clinician Programme - Winners Announced

Congratulations to all the candidates at the 2009 32nd DENTSPLY/BDA student clinician programme. The caliber of entry just keeps getting better and the competition this year was of an outstanding standard, which is excellent news for the future of UK dentistry.

Held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Knightsbridge London, the evening was a resounding success with over 200 guests representing UK and Irish dental schools, the BDA and other eminent figures from the dental profession.    

Thirteen teaching schools put forward an entrant for the adjudication, which was held, at the BDA headquarters during the day. Each student presented a piece of original research to the three adjudicators: Professor Nairn Wilson, Head of School and Dean of Kings College London Dental Institute; Dr John Drummond, Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant of Dundee Dental School; and Professor Robbie McConnell, from the Department of Restorative Dentistry College of Medicine, Cork University Dental School.   The winners were announced during a fabulous black tie gala dinner hosted by Dr Linda Niessen, Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of DENTSPLY International, and organised by the DENTSPLY UK Professional Support Team: Kate Caple and Simon Abbey.  

The first prize of an all expenses paid trip to the American Dental Association meeting in Honolulu in October,  this year went to Megan Cross of the University of Birmingham Dental School for her entry ‘DNase Activity with in Dental Plaque and gingival Crevicular Fluid during a 21 day experimental Model of Gingivitis’.  Megan will also become a member of SCADA- the Student Clinician Program of the American Dental Association    

Second prize of £500 went to Raheel Malik of Kings College London Dental Institute for his entry:’ The Role of the Chemokine Receptor ‘CXCR4’ in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Tumour Cell Biology’     

The adjudicators’ prize for professionalism throughout the presentation, went to Gemma Walker of the University of Sheffield, School of Clinical Dentistry for her entry ‘CT imaging and dental age estimation’        

The innovative BDA/DENTSPLY Student Clinician Awards programme supports international undergraduate research and emphasises the continuous bond that exists between the profession and the dental industry. The programme focuses on original research providing an insight into all aspects of dentistry.

“The future of the dental profession depends on a strong body of scientific research.  So, what better way to help craft the future of the profession than to support student research, we believe that these men and women of science are the future leaders of the dental profession and this is just one reason why DENTSPLY is proud to support the Student Clinician Research Programme”. Dean L.T. Hallows Marketing Director DENTSPLY    

Past entries of the programme have commented on how appreciative they were to have the opportunity to be involved with research during their undergraduate studies. They felt this experience provided them with an invaluable eye-opener to wider career opportunities and truly emphasised the relevance of research to dental practice.    The celebrations continued well into the night, with dancing to the sounds of a live band and a good time was had by all!  

‘‘We at DENTSPLY are delighted to once again support and host such a splendid event in recognition of those outstanding individuals who represent the clinical future of our industry” Gerard Campbell – Vice President  & General Manager for DENTSPLY UK commented

DENTSPLY is once again proud to be a part of the Student Clinician Programme, and to be able to host the annual Student Clinician Dinner, where the winner of the 2009 DENTSPLY/BDA Student Clinician Programme will be announced. Last year's winner was Ryan Olley from Kings College London Dental Institute.

The winner of the 2009 Programme will win an "all expenses" trip to the American Dental Association meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii from October 1st-5th 2009. This year's ADA meeting is sure to be a special occasion, as it celebrates the 150th year of the association.

2009 Adjudication Panel

Professor Nairn Wilson, Head of School and Dean of Kings College London Dental Institute

Dr John Drummond, Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant of Dundee Dental School

Professor Robbie McConnell, Professor in Restorative Dentistry, Cork University Dental School

2009 Awards Dinner - Friday 6th February 2009

This year's award presentation and gala dinner will be held at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, set in the very heart of Knightsbridge, with views across Hyde Park.

The evening begins at 7:30pm with a drinks reception, before moving into Mandarin Oriental's main ballroom at 8:30pm for a Black Tie gala dinner and dancing, during which the winner will be announced.

Venue Address:

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

66 Knightsbridge 

London

SW1X 7LA

The hotel is most easily accessed from Knightsbridge Underground Station.

We would strongly recommend that you travel to the hotel by public transport or taxi. However, there is an NCP car park opposite the hotel, or the Concierge can arrange valet parking, if required. Driving directions can be found here.

For Our Guests

Should those attending the dinner wish to spend the night in one of London's premier hotels, DENTSPLY has negotiated a limited number of rooms at Mandarin Oriental at a special rate for the Friday night.

To take advantage of the special room rate of £275 for a Courtyard room with single or double occupancy, please book on Tel. 0207 201 3773 and mention the DENTSPLY/BDA Student Clinician Dinner when booking. Please note this rate is only available until 12th January 2009 and on a limited number of rooms.