Thursday 6 – Friday 7 June 2024
DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel
NHS dentistry is in a perilous position. The NHS workforce is disheartened and disillusioned. The current and next generations of dentists see little prospects within the NHS. Integrated Care Boards are grappling with delegated commissioning and competing budgetary demands. Patients are encountering difficulties accessing NHS dental services, and politicians' mailboxes are overwhelmed with letters detailing the impact of insufficient care, with no clear political solution in sight.
This could be an election year. Can we help turn any of this around?
The profession is seeking engagement with key stakeholders, we believe that an active dialogue is necessary to address the impasse we currently find ourselves in.
The central theme of our conference is "Exploring What Good Looks Like." We believe that good healthcare practices and policies can vary greatly depending on one's viewpoint – from policymakers to performers, practices, and patients. We aim to understand these diverse perspectives to evolve the collective good.
MOTIONS
The LDC Conference website provides lots of advice on composing motions and how to make an active contribution to this year’s conference. Don’t miss the opportunity to exercise your right to speak out!
We will be continuing with the format used in recent years for submitting motions with a narrative. The intention being to provide delegates with enough information to form a view and be prepared in advance if they wish to speak for or against on the day. As part of the submission process, you’ll need to state the objective to your motion. Is it to re-affirm existing policy, challenge/change current policy or is it a new idea/proposal.
Because motions are intended to give direction for GDPC policy please find here a list of existing GDPC polices. This outlines how GDPC has acted on motions carried at previous conferences and how much they have achieved on our behalf.
The deadline to nominate in advance has now passed. It is now only possible to nominate from the floor.
ELECTIONS
To help ensure a smooth running of the event (and accommodate those who may be attending virtually) nominations in advance for the positions outlined below are encouraged although in-person attendees will also have the opportunity to nominate from the floor.
Elections (where necessary) will take place for the following positions:
- Chair elect of conference (to chair conference in 2026)
- Honorary treasurer
- Two honorary auditors
- One representative to GDPC
- One representative to the board of managers of the British Dental Guild
- One member of Agenda Committee.
Information about what each of the roles entails can be found on the website here.
SPECIAL OBSERVER PLACES – for newcomers to conference
In addition to the normal allocation of conference places each LDC is once again permitted to register one ‘Special LDC Observer’ place this year.
This is an opportunity for newcomers to immerse themselves in dental politics and hopefully launch a career-long interest. These special observer places are reserved for those who are new to dental representation or first-time conference goers.
If an LDC has someone who meets this criterion, they can be registered online selecting ‘Special LDC Observer’ as delegate type.
The LDC Conference website provides lots more advice on how to contribute.
TIMINGS AND FORMAT
The event provides an opportunity to get reacquainted, welcome newcomers to the LDC community and at the dinner celebrate our Unsung Heroes. Conference will officially commence at 13:30 on the Thursday and conclude at 13:00 on the Friday (with lunch available either side) and the formal dinner in-between.
We all appreciate how invaluable face-to-face interaction is but acknowledging that some may be prevented from attending in person, it will be possible to view and listen in to discussions taking place on the main stage via livestream link. Please note that virtual attendees will not be able to participate in debate, present or respond to motions, and the dynamic and interactive nature of the conference does require those selected by their LDCs as Representatives to attend in person. This will ensure they can debate and challenge, agree and disagree, and have the voice of the LDC heard.
REGISTRATION, DINNER TICKETS, TRAVEL AND HOTELS
HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT
As usual the Conference is open to nominated LDC representatives and members of the BDA General Dental Practice Committee. Once LDCs have agreed who will attend to represent them delegates must register in advance for the event.
All conference places (including live-stream access) and dinner tickets should be booked online by Friday 12 April.
Individual email addresses and GDC numbers are required at point of registration for all attendees.
How many people can my LDC send?
If you are unsure how many people your LDC can register for the Conference, you can check the list of permitted attendees for each LDC here.
Where an LDC is entitled to send a sole Representative, they are also permitted to send an accompanying Observer. The conference fees for this permitted Observer will be covered, however the LDC is responsible for funding dinner tickets, travel and accommodation expenses.
Plus, as highlighted earlier. in addition to the usual allocation of places we have some places reserved for Special LDC Observers – (this special ticket type must be approved by LDC Secretaries and is for those who are first time conference goers).
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
The closing date for registration was Friday 12 April. To discuss a late entry please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CONFERENCE DINNER
The black-tie dinner will take place on the Thursday evening, also at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel. Dinner tickets are funded for those registering as LDC Representatives and are available for £85 per person for all other attendees. Additional tickets for guests can be booked online too.
Drinks reception from 19:15 with dinner served at 19:45.
HOTEL BOOKINGS
We have an allocation of bedrooms available at the hotel and you will be prompted to book accommodation online as part of the event registration process.
Bookings are being managed by our appointed accommodation agent MICE Concierge.
Accommodation will be assigned from our rooming blocks on a first-come-first-served basis.
Please note the release date for all un-allocated bedrooms is Friday 12 April so please ensure you reserve your room before this date to guarantee availability and discounted rates.
Further information about hotel booking is available here.
TRAVEL AND EXPENSE CLAIMING
Information about travel arrangements and expense claiming can be also found on the website.
FURTHER ASSISTANCE OR QUESTIONS
If you have a question regarding your motion submission or nomination please contact Alexandra Cenic This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you require assistance regarding your registration and the logistical arrangements for the event please contact Fiona Feltham (Events Manager) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
I very much look forward to welcoming you all to Brighton!
Best wishes
Agi