Dental professionals from across the UK gathered in London in December 2025 for the British Society of Gerodontology (BSG) Winter Conference, which focused on improving oral health care for older adults amid rising inequality and clinical complexity.
Held at the Wellcome Collection, the conference brought together experts from dentistry, medicine and public health to discuss topics ranging from climate change and sustainability to workforce planning, oro-systemic disease and the management of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).
Opening the event, BSG President Becky Wassall set the tone with the theme Addressing Oral Health Inequalities and Complex Patient Needs, highlighting the growing challenges facing an ageing population.
The first session, delivered by Dr Zahra Shehabi, Consultant in Special Care Dentistry at Barts Health NHS Trust, examined the impact of the climate crisis on health care. She outlined practical sustainability principles for dental practice, including prevention, patient self-care and low-carbon service delivery. Dr Shehabi stressed that older adults, particularly those who are frail or have mobility issues, are especially vulnerable to climate-related extremes and require strong advocacy from health professionals.
Innovation from future dentists was also on display. Shivam Kanda, a fourth-year dental student, presented a project exploring the use of artificial intelligence to support remote patient consultations, drawing positive feedback from delegates.
The role of dental care professionals (DCPs) was the focus of a lecture by Dr Susan Bissett, Honorary Clinical Lecturer at Newcastle University. She discussed her NIHR-funded research and highlighted how better use of skills mix could improve access to NHS dentistry. With an ageing population and increasing complexity of care, she argued that greater involvement of DCPs in prevention and routine treatments is essential.
A medical perspective followed, with Consultant Radiologist Dr Graham Lloyd-Jones presenting on oro-systemic disease. He emphasised the close links between oral bacteria and systemic conditions, including neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. He urged dental teams to prioritise mouth care and patient education, reframing systemic disease as a potential consequence of oral dysbiosis.
In the afternoon, Deputy Chief Dental Officer Dr Rakhee Patel shared insights into dental public health policy, workforce planning and national strategy. She outlined ongoing efforts to improve care for older adults, particularly those in care homes, and to ensure their inclusion in national guidelines.
Practical guidance was provided by oral surgery consultant Dr Dipesh Patel, who discussed the assessment and management of MRONJ. He noted that many cases can be effectively managed within primary care when identified early.
The conference concluded with interactive case discussions led by Professor Gerry McKenna, Daniel Gillway and Emma Elliott, covering advanced tooth wear, dementia care and oral cancer. Poster competition winners were also announced, and Dr Camilla Boynton was welcomed as incoming BSG President for 2026.
Delegates left with a clear message: improving oral health for older adults requires coordinated action through sustainable practice, better use of the dental workforce, closer collaboration with medical colleagues and stronger policy support for a population often overlooked in legislation.