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The aim of the BDSA is to promote unity and build relationships between UK dental students.

To support this goal, the BDSA has an annual tradition of organising two national student events: the Sports Day and Conference.

 BDA student members get over £30 discounted off tickets for both BDSA Sports Day and BDSA Conference.

BDSA Conference 2024-25

Leeds

Date: 8–9 February 2025

In February 2024, the British Dental Students Association (BDSA) celebrated its two-day annual conference in London. The event saw over 600 dental students from across the UK gather for an unforgettable weekend of unique educational and networking opportunities, tailored specifically to the next generation of dentists.

The next BDSA Conference will strive to uphold this standard and allow dental students from all over the UK to integrate and network with professionals in the field, whilst still being extremely fun and memorable. The BDSA Conference will be hosted by Leeds on 8 and 9 February 2025. Follow the BDSA Conference Leeds 2025 Instagram page for updates @bdsaleeds

BDSA Logo 2025

BDSA Research Summit 2025

Are you ready to showcase your research, gain valuable experience, and make your mark in dental academia? The BDSA Research Summit is back for 2025 and will take place on Sunday 9 February 2025 at the University of Leeds as part of the annual BDSA Conference.

This summit is an excellent opportunity for UK dental students to present their research to peers and professionals, gain recognition, and compete for exclusive prizes. All participants will have their abstracts featured in the prestigious BDSA Book of Abstracts and receive a BDSA-accredited certificate of participation.

What’s in it for participants?

  • Publication: All abstracts are published on the BDSA website and showcased in the BDSA Book of Abstracts
  • Certificate of participation: A valuable addition to any CV or portfolio
  • Top five abstracts: Displayed at the conference and rewarded with prizes from our exclusive prize pool
  • First place winner: Research published in BDJ Student and presented live at the summit.

We’re here to support you every step of the way! Beginner-friendly resources like a detailed abstract template, an FAQ document, and a December webinar with our judging panel will be available to ensure every participant feels confident.

Eligibility and submission details

  • Open to all UK dental students (BDSA membership not required)
  • You do not need to have bought a BDSA Leeds Conference Ticket to enter
  • Abstracts should be under 500 words, structured into Title, Background, Method, Results, and Conclusion
  • Submit your abstract in PDF format to [email protected] by Monday 13 January 2025.

BDSA Annual Research Summit 2024:

Discover last year's research from dental students across the UK in the 2024 Research Summit Book of Abstracts. This booklet showcases the dedication and innovation of students who have pioneered research in diverse areas of dentistry. Featuring a wide range of topics, from “Decolonising the Dental Curriculum” to “The Interplay between Islam and Oral Healthcare”, this collection highlights the fresh perspectives shaping the future of the field.

With record-breaking submissions from students at various Dental Schools and across all year groups, this year’s summit marks a significant contribution from the next generation of dental professionals. Special thanks to Curaden UK for their sponsorship and to Professor Abigail Tucker and Dr. Sadia Niazi of King’s College London for selecting our top entries.

BDSA annual research summit promotional poster

BDSA Sports Day 2025

Sheffield

Date: 21–22 June 2025

Through the spirit of physical competition, the BDSA Sports Day promotes integration amongst the student dental community from all UK schools, with over 600 students attending each year. Since 2003, the BDSA has proudly organised this annual event to foster connections and strengthen the community among dental students across the UK. This year, the event heads to Sheffield, promising to be bigger and better than ever with new sports, exciting socials, and enhanced opportunities for networking and building lasting friendships. Sheffield’s unique setting will make the 2025 Sports Day an unforgettable experience, celebrating the vibrant spirit of our student community.

 

BDSA Sports Day
student membership

Get discounted tickets

Join the BDA today to save over £30 on your Sports Day ticket.

Future locations

The location of these events is decided by vote at the BDSA annual conference every spring. Candidates usually prepare a short presentation to deliver to delegates at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Any UK dental student can choose to run one of these events. Students do not have to have been a BDA representative beforehand to put themselves forward for this role.

 If you are interested in hosting an event at your dental school, please contact the current BDSA President for more details.

Behaviour policy

The BDSA Sports Day and Annual Conference are both popular events involving a large number of students and they pride themselves on the professional behaviour of delegates, please see the BDSA Behaviour Policy.