Annual Conference 2005

The Hilton Hotel, Cardiff was the venue for the Society's 52nd annual conference. The hotel is situated in the centre of the city alongside Cardiff Castle, the City Hall and the Welsh National Museum.

The conference was opened by the Lord Mayor who welcomed delegates to Cardiff.

The conference began with a symposium entitled 'Controversies in Prosthetic Dentistry'. Professor Jan de Boever (Ghent, Belgium) provided an overview of temporomandibular disorders and an analysis of their relationship with occlusion and prosthetic dentistry. Dr Bob Clark (GKT) described the challenges in education and service provision relating to the treatment with complete dentures. Dr David Enoch (Cardiff) described the wide spectrum of psychiatric disorders that can produce problems for prosthetic treatment. Case studies were given and the value of a team approach was emphasised.

The symposium was shared with the Society of University Dental Instructors. Our societies have much in common and it is hoped that the co-operation will be continued.

Monday morning began with the GSK Lecture given by David Whittaker, Emeritus Professor of Forensic Dentistry who described the forensic importance of prosthetic dentistry.

The session continued with papers for the Schottlander prize. There was a good entry of high quality papers. The judges awarded the prize to Ama Johal for his presentation on 'The role of mandibular advancement splints in sleep-related breathing disorders - a clinical trial.' The afternoon session was allocated for poster presentations and for the trade exhibition. Once again the trade show was well supported. There were 16 posters on display.

The Annual General meeting was held at the end of the day. Perhaps the most important outcome of the meeting was the recognition of the need for change and the spirit of optimism that accompanied it.

The conference dinner was held in the glittering surroundings of the Marble Room in Cardiff City Hall following a reception provided by the City of Cardiff.

There was an excellent attendance on Tuesday morning from the outset for the final session of scientific papers.

Conference closed with the installation of the new president, Professor Fraser McCord.