The Society of British Dental Nurses (SBDN) were very proud to host the Prof Ireland Annual Lecture in September and were delighted at the number of individuals that attended. There was representation from dental therapists, hygienists, clinical dental technologists, orthodontic dental nurses and therapists, dental nurses, oral health promoters, student and newly qualified dental nurses, general dental practitioners and members of the specialist fields.

The event was held at the Birmingham Dental Hospital. Professor Ireland gave a plenary talk then introduced Anna Ireland, a Consultant for Public Health England. Anna gave an excellent presentation around oral health messages and links to general health and wellbeing. Finally, Professor Tim Newton, a psychologist as applied to dentistry at King's College London, provided another interesting talk with a touch of magic.

According to delegates, there was a great buzz in the room and lunch was amazing too. The next annual lecture will be held on 19 September 2020. Professor Ireland has over many years worked hard to bring about skill-mix and role substitution for all dental care professional groups and is responsible for a number of core texts as well.

For further information visit the SBDN website: www.sbdn.org.uk.

SBDN Patron Fiona Ellwood received her British Empire Medal (BEM) on 20 September 2019 at a prestigious event. The medal was given to Fiona for her contribution to dentistry. SBDN commented: 'Fiona works relentlessly for the good of the profession. She has been and continues to be an inspiration to many; we acknowledge how fortunate we are to be able to work so closely with her, although if she was asked we know she would be telling us how fortunate she is.'.