BDA’s Benevolent Fund Records Surge In Applications
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- Published: Tuesday, 02 August 2022 07:27
- Written by Guy Tuggle
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The BDA Benevolent Fund has announced that it processed an increase in applications for help during and following the Covid-19 pandemic.
BDA members are automatically entitled to consult the charity, whose raison d’etre is to help dentists, including students, who need help in the areas of wellbeing, legal and financial distress.
At its 139th AGM, held on 29th June, Chair Dr Ros Keeton reported that the charity had witnessed an increase in applications compared to pre-pandemic levels.
A disturbing revelation was the surge in applications from younger dentists and students. “The average age of applications in 2021 was 31 years, compared to late 40s in previous years” Dr Keeton said.
As part of the Chairman’s report, she outlined a key research piece that the Charity commissioned in 2021, to establish the needs of the dental student community, results of which can be found here.
“This research has given the Charity a clear call to action, in terms of the services we provide and how we should reach this key part of the dental community. We hope to continue the research again and will work with other people and partners, as a result of the 2021 findings.”
GDPUK has run several news items over recent months reporting how stress and anxiety have been severely impacting on the profession. Patients have become fractious when confronted with access issue whilst practices strived to adjust to changing targets and funding models. A recruitment crisis plus frequent key staff absences fuelled by Covid has further stretched the profession to its limits.
At the AGM, Dr Keeton thanked four retiring Trustees, Dr Allan Franklyn (20 years’ service), Dr Philip Henderson (16 years) and Dr Stuart Robson (16 years) for their service along with the staff, the BDA and all companies and individuals who had given their generous support.
Four new Trustees were elected to serve: - Dr Shafaq Ali, Dr Richard Hems, Dr Derek Manson and Dr Meena Shykhon.
BDA's Benevolent Fund Records Surge In Applications
Sir, may I just ask for a small clarification regarding who can consult the charity?In your piece you stated that 'BDA members' are automatically entitled to consult the charity.
Actually it's surely ALL dentists and not just BDA members.
This is one of the reasons I think it should be known as the Dental Benevolent Fund. Sorry, I don't mean to be pedantic.
BDA Benevolent Fund
Keith,The BDA Benevolent Fund is an independent registered charity and is not part of the BDA; it was initially set up by the BDA in the 19th century and to this day, receives immense support from the Association, hence the retention of the original name.
Unfortunately the article on the Fund’s AGM unnecessarily raises confusion over membership and who can apply for assistance. Members of the BDA enjoy automatic membership upon joining but non-BDA members are encouraged to become members of the charity through the charity’s ‘Partnersh ip’ membership scheme which is free. Membership gives voting rights at the AGM including election of Trustees.
Membership of the charity is not a prerequisite for receipt of help and all dentists, their dependants and dental students in the UK, are able to apply for financial assistance. This is made very clear in the charity’s publications.
Bill Nichols
Vice President
BDA Benevolent Fund
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