From 2 November to 2 December 2026, art lovers, dental professionals and anyone searching for a meaningful Christmas gift can bid on original artworks through The Smile Within, an online charity auction.
Created and generously donated by dentists and others working across the dental profession, the collection explores themes of mindfulness, resilience and emotional wellbeing. The auction offers an opportunity to own something unique while supporting two charities making a difference in dentistry.
The collection was originally brought together for The Smile Within, an exhibition held at the British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show in May 2026 during Mental Health Awareness Week. The exhibition raised over £7,700 for the two charities, and the online auction now offers a further opportunity to support their work.
A selection of original artworks available in The Smile Within Christmas Art Auction.
A Christmas Gift That Makes a Difference
With starting bids ranging from £20 to £1,000, the auction offers original artworks for different tastes and budgets. From affordable Christmas gifts to striking statement pieces for the home or dental practice, buyers can find something unique while supporting two dental charities.
Each piece has been donated to help raise funds for the BDA Benevolent Fund and Bridge2Aid, with proceeds shared equally between the two charities.
The BDA Benevolent Fund provides financial assistance, practical help and emotional support to dental students, dentists and their dependants experiencing hardship across the UK.
Bridge2Aid works to improve access to essential oral healthcare in underserved communities by training local health workers and developing sustainable solutions.
Every successful bid will help both charities continue their work.
Art with Meaning
The Smile Within was created to encourage conversations about mental health and wellbeing within dentistry.
While dentistry can be a rewarding profession, many dental professionals experience significant pressures, including stress, isolation and emotional strain.
Through a diverse collection of artwork, the exhibition encouraged reflection on self-care, resilience and hope, demonstrating how creativity can bring people together and open up important conversations.
The online auction continues this theme, celebrating the creative talents of the dental community while raising funds to support others.
Honouring a Lasting Legacy
The original exhibition was the vision of Dr John Ulahannan, a former Trustee of the BDA Benevolent Fund, who sadly passed away unexpectedly in 2024.
A passionate advocate for both mental health and the arts, John believed in the power of creativity to bring people together and start important conversations.
The Smile Within continues to honour his legacy, helping to inspire greater awareness, compassion and support within the profession he cared so deeply about.
Laura Hannon, CEO of the BDA Benevolent Fund, said:
“Mental health remains one of the most important challenges facing our profession. The success of The Smile Within earlier this year demonstrated how art can bring people together and encourage important conversations about wellbeing.
“By bringing the exhibition online, we hope to reach an even wider audience, while raising essential funds for two charities making a genuine difference. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give a Christmas gift that carries real meaning and impact.”
Shaenna Loughnane, CEO of Bridge2Aid, said:
“Art has the power to connect people, tell stories and inspire change. Every successful bid in this auction will help support individuals and communities both here in the UK and internationally.
“We’re delighted to be working together once again on a project that combines creativity, compassion and lasting impact.”
How to Take Part
The Smile Within Christmas Art Auction opens on Monday 2 November 2026 and closes at 8 pm GMT on Wednesday 2 December 2026.
Visitors can browse the collection, learn more about the artworks and place their bids online.
Browse the artwork and place your bids
The highest bidder for each artwork at the close of the auction will be the successful purchaser. Postage and packaging costs are additional and will be confirmed after purchase.
Those who would prefer to support the charities without purchasing artwork can also contribute through a separate donation campaign.
Make a donation to The Smile Within
All proceeds from the auction and donations will be shared equally between the BDA Benevolent Fund and Bridge2Aid.
