From neurodivergent care, clinical updates and the changing role of oral health professionals to health inequalities and the rise of oral nicotine pouches, the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy’s (BSDHT) Oral Health Conference (OHC) 2026 is putting the issues that matter in practice firmly on the agenda.
For dental hygienists and dental therapists looking for relevant CPD, fresh perspectives and the opportunity to spend time with colleagues from across the profession, OHC 2026 will bring a packed two-day programme to ICC Wales on 27 and 28 November.
Under the theme ‘Illuminating smiles, inspiring change, impacting communities’, the BSDHT has created a programme focused on what oral health professionals and their patients are facing today, while giving delegates knowledge and ideas they can take straight back into practice.
Alongside the education programme, there will be dedicated time for networking, an exhibition, the annual poster competition and the Friday night party.
Fresh thinking for today’s challenges
OHC 2026 opens with Consultant Paediatric Dentist Dr Urshla Devalia examining health inequalities affecting children and young people with disabilities in the UK, setting the tone for a programme that reflects many of the clinical, professional and societal factors affecting oral health professionals and their patients.
The programme will also tackle the rapid rise of oral nicotine pouches, with Dr Latha Davda providing an evidence-based look at trends, risks and health outcomes, while Dr Annie Clements will explore how dental professionals can support, treat and empower the neurodivergent community. Managing the oral health needs of elderly patients, teamwork and the behavioural impact of the language clinicians use with patients will also feature.
Looking beyond individual clinical care, OHC will also consider the role oral health professionals can play in driving wider change. For instance, Dr Rachael England, Head of Policy and Advocacy at the Oral Health Foundation, will examine how the profession can contribute to advancing policy action, while sessions on teamwork and patient communication explore how dental hygienists and dental therapists can help shape conversations, strengthen teams and support better outcomes for patients and communities.
Practical learning for everyday practice
For delegates seeking clinical updates they can use immediately, the programme covers many of the areas shaping everyday patient care.
Professor Tara Renton OBE will provide an update on local anaesthesia, while other sessions cover gingivitis guidelines, peri-implant disease, prescribing and interpreting radiographs, clinical imaging in periodontics, minimally invasive dentistry, and the oral microbiome.
Communication also has a strong presence, including a dedicated masterclass and research exploring how clinicians’ choice of language can influence patients.
With parallel sessions across the two days, delegates can shape their OHC experience around the areas most relevant to their own role, patients and professional interests, making the time away from practice really count.
Simone Ruzario, BSDHT President Elect, said: ‘I have really enjoyed being closely involved in shaping this year’s programme alongside colleagues at the BSDHT, and we have focused on creating two days that feel genuinely relevant to our members and the patients they care for, while also giving them plenty to think about, discuss and explore.
‘We are bringing together emerging public health issues and inequalities with clinical updates, communication and the growing influence oral health professionals can have within teams, communities and wider oral health. Delegates can choose the sessions that matter most to them, hear from some fantastic speakers and come away with new ideas and perspectives.
‘Just as importantly, OHC is an opportunity for us to be together. Being able to meet colleagues, share experiences and make new connections is such an important part of OHC too. We want people to leave feeling inspired, energised and excited about what they can do next.’
Meaningful connections for the profession
Learning is only one part of the OHC experience: dedicated exhibition time, refreshment breaks and poster sessions are built into both days, giving delegates plenty of opportunity to continue conversations, discover new products and services, and meet colleagues from across the profession.
The annual poster competition will once again provide a platform for ideas and research from within the profession, while Friday evening gives delegates the chance to relax, reconnect and celebrate the profession together at the conference party at Coldra Court Hotel, available by separate ticket.
For anyone who has been meaning to invest some time in their own development, reconnect with colleagues or simply find out what is changing in oral healthcare, OHC offers the opportunity to do all three in one weekend.
OHC 2026 takes place at ICC Wales in Newport on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November 2026. Registration is now open, so secure your place today and join the BSDHT for two days of fresh thinking, practical learning and meaningful connections. Simply visit bsdht.org.uk/ohc-2026.
