By Aliysha Rahman, BDSA Academic Officer 2024

On 24 and 25 February, King's College London hosted the annual British Dental Students Association (BDSA), conference, which proudly featured the much-awaited return of the BDSA Research Summit.

As BDSA's Academic Officer I had the opportunity of organising this coveted event, with the help of my amazing subcommittee. For the past couple of years, the Research Summit has not taken place, which meant we had the opportunity to redefine it. My aim with the Research Summit was to empower students with the chance to connect with the wider dental community beyond dental school. Research holds a distinct role in the future of dentistry, with its potential to significantly enhance oral health practices for the generations to come, of which we will be a part of. The BDSA Research Summit provided the opportunity for dental students to be a part of such change and pioneer their own research. Showcasing their academic pursuits, and contributions to current esteemed academics in the field and their peers.

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©BDSA

(L-R) Rebecca Vines, Curaden UK, Alan McCartney, Curaden UK and Aliysha Rahman

All students were able to submit their research abstracts in a dental related theme of their choice, we had a plethora of wonderful and broad submissions, ranging from ‘Decolonising the Dental Curriculum' to ‘The interplay between Islam and Oral Healthcare'. I am also proud to say that this year's Research Summit saw increased submissions from all five years, from various Dental Schools across the UK. Student submissions were carefully appraised by the esteemed Professor Abigail Tucker and Dr Sadia Niazi, from King's College London, and a first place, and highly commended student was selected.

The day saw huge success with our first-place winner Jan Horackiewickz, presenting his incredible research abstract which detailed the ‘Prognostic significance of blood results in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas'. A warm congratulations to Jan, as well as to our highly commended Erica Aamton's abstract ‘Oral health knowledge, attitude, practices and dietary habits among secondary school students in Brunei Darussalam' and to all student participants!

Student engagement was also exceptional on the day, with many students asking how they can participate next year! It was a wonderful event filled with like-minded students collaborating synergistically with esteemed academics, creating an atmosphere brimming with energy.

We have also organised all student submissions to be collated into a ‘BDSA Book of Abstracts' to be released soon. It will include all student submissions, giving all participants their chance to showcase their hard work, whilst allowing all students to engage in their peers' work, so make sure you keep an eye out for it!

I'd also like to thank Curaden UK for their amazing sponsorship! The Curaden team arranged for our first-place prize holder to take part in the Peniche Surf Camp in August 2024. This incredible opportunity includes engaging in an iTOP workshop with fellow dental professionals amidst the sun and sea in Portugal. Our highly commended winner will also receive an exclusive Curaden Goodie bag valued at over £100 and a personal invitation to a UK iTOP Introductory course at their new office in Northampton!

On behalf of the BDSA, thank you for engaging in this year's Annual Research Summit!