NIMDTA Dental Conference 2025
NIMDTA welcomed over 200 guests to its 2025 Dental Conference at the Mossley Mill Complex, Newtownabbey on Friday 17th October.
The event brought together leading voices in dentistry and academic healthcare for a day of shared learning, clinical insight, and inclusive practice approaches through a rich programme of expert-led sessions designed to enhance diagnostic skills and further broaden understanding of patient care.
The day began with a warm welcome and introduction from Brid Hendron, Postgraduate Dental Dean, who set the tone for clinical excellence and multidisciplinary collaboration delivered via two parallel sessions.
Ms Caroline Lappin, Chief Dental Officer for Northern Ireland, provided an overview and update on Oral Health Programmes in Northern Ireland, highlighting progress and future priorities.
Professor Riaz Yar, a renowned figure in prosthodontics from the College of Medicine and Dentistry Birmingham, delivered a series of impactful sessions in the main theatre. He explored the examination and co-diagnostic processes involved in occlusion, temporomandibular dysfunction, and as well as diagnosis of sleep disorders, offering practical insights into screening, clinical links, and the use of splints.
Ms Orlagh McPolin, Consultant in Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology, provided a comprehensive overview of Cone Beam Imaging, discussing its principles, clinical applications, and appropriate use in diagnostic settings.
The conference also embraced emerging technologies, with Ms Tina Calder, Chief Vision Officer at Excalibur Press Communications, introducing delegates to AI in Dentistry, offering a starting point for understanding its potential impact on clinical workflows and patient engagement.
Paediatric dentistry was a key focus, with Dr Greig D. Taylor, Clinical Lecturer and Specialist at Newcastle University, presenting on the management of compromised first permanent molars and sharing practical strategies for supporting nervous paediatric patients.
An engaging interactive session on oral pathology and oral cancer was led by Dr Seamus Napier, Consultant in Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, and Dr Amanda Willis, Consultant in Oral Medicine at Queen’s University Belfast, encouraging collaborative discussion and case-based learning.
Dr Nichola Booth, Senior Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast, addressed the importance of supporting neurodiverse patients in general practice, while Ms Adele Cunningham, Consultant in Special Care Dentistry, explored dementia management and consent.
Mr Anthony Sinclair, qualified teacher and founder of ‘Sign Source’, delivered a compelling session on supporting deaf and hard of hearing people, emphasising communication strategies and accessibility.
The conference concluded with a Q&A session and closing remarks from Brid Hendron, reflecting on the day’s themes of innovation, collaboration, and compassionate care.
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Watch highlights from the day by clicking on the showreel below:
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