BDSA events

BDSA Conference 2025-26

Liverpool

Date: 30 January – 1 February 2026

The upcoming BDSA Conference is set to bring together dental students from all over the UK for an unforgettable weekend of educational and networking opportunities, with over 900 students expected to attend. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Liverpool hosting the conference, and we are grateful to host it again. The two-day annual conference will also host memorable events, allowing students to build lasting relationships with peers from across the country. Attendees will especially benefit from inspiring presentations by leading professionals, as well as gaining valuable insights to help shape their future careers.

This year’s conference weekend is set to be the biggest UK dental student event ever hosted, and we are really looking forward to it. This will be a rare chance to connect with experts and peers alike, fostering both personal and professional growth. The BDSA Conference will be hosted by Liverpool from 30 January - 1 February 2025. For the latest updates, follow the BDSA Conference Liverpool Instagram page @bdsa.liverpool

BDSA Annual Research Summit

Are you ready to showcase your research, gain valuable experience, and make your mark in dental academia? The BDSA Research Summit is back and will take place on Sunday 1 February 2026 at the University of Liverpool 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 Liverpool 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 bdsaresearchsummit25@gmail.com by Wednesday 7 January 2026.

Follow our Instagram @bdsaresearchsummit for the most up to date news.

BDSA Sports Day 2026

University of Manchester

Dates: 27–28 June 2026

We are delighted to host the BDSA Sports Day 2026 in Manchester - a flagship event celebrating healthy competition, community spirit, professional engagement, and student wellbeing. Bringing together dental students from across the UK, this year’s Sports Day blends high-energy athletic competition with meaningful networking, governance, and collaboration.

Building on the proud tradition of spirited challenges and vibrant social connection, Manchester 2026 will be inclusive, memorable, and truly one not to forget.

Focus and Themes

Healthy Competition and Wellbeing

Our Sports Day promotes intrinsic motivation, physical health, and collegial challenge. From competitive leagues to fun and social sports, there is space for everyone - whether you are competing for the trophy or joining for the experience.

Inclusivity and Community Spirit

We are committed to creating an event where everyone can get involved. Alongside competitive fixtures, social and recreational sports ensure participation at every level, fostering unity across year groups and universities.

Northern Pride and Culture

Manchester’s iconic sporting and music heritage provides the perfect backdrop. As one of the UK’s great sporting cities, the event will feel like more than just a tournament - it will be an experience that captures the city’s energy, pride, and urban vibrancy.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

We emphasise meaningful engagement with organisations active in community health and social care, including NHS Trusts, alongside our valued sponsors and affiliates. Exceptional networking opportunities with institutional partners will be integrated throughout the weekend.

AGM and Governance

In alignment with our organisational mission, the BDSA AGM will be hosted during the event, ensuring that governance and strategic direction sit at the heart of our national gathering.

Why Attend?

Participants will benefit from:

• Professional networking - Meet dental students from every UK dental school, connect across year groups, and build lasting friendships within the BDSA community.
• Strategic partnerships - Engage with sponsors and institutional partners committed to public health, advocacy, and care provision.
• Exposure to allied fields - Gain insight into developments in health, social care, and community wellbeing.
• An integrated programme - A unique structure bridging formal governance and professional engagement with applied sporting activity under a shared ethos of wellbeing.
• A setting for renewal - An exceptional venue and programme designed to support reflection, connection, and creative engagement.

We warmly invite students, colleagues, sponsors, partner organisations, and practitioners to join us in Manchester for this integrated national event - advancing not only competition and connection, but sustained collaboration across health, social care, and the wider community.