The 2023 Dental Alumni Association weekend took place this year in early March.
Over two days, encompassing the Annual Dinner (Friday March 3) and Clinical Day (Saturday March 4), the prestigious two-day programme provides an important opportunity for former and present members of staff and students to meet, as well as show-case high calibre presentations in clinical dentistry from both internal and external speakers.
(L-R) President Elect Charlie Spedding & President Francis Hughes
It has been an honour to act as President of the Dental Alumni this last 2 years. My thanks to all the speakers at Clinical Day for delivering such a high quality, fascinating and wide ranging programme.– Francis Hughes, outgoing DAA President
Alumni Dinner - March 3 2023
The Tower Hotel was the venue for this year’s Alumni Dinner. With some spectacular views of London Bridge, the drinks reception and meal included a performance by KCL Bhangra.
Dental Alumni Association President Professor Francis Hughes was unable to attend the evening as he was recovering from ill health but his hard work with the organisation of the evening, along with the fabulous Agnes Kwong from the Alumni office, certainly paid off. There were tables of alumni from King’s ’82, Guy’s ’91, ’97 and ’98. A table of fourth year students kindly assisted with raffle ticket sales and mingled amongst the guests convivially.
Vincent Barrett (Past President) and Charlie Spedding (President Elect) stepped in to introduce the evening and introduce the Executive Dean, Prof. Michael Escudier.
The prestigious alumni awards were awarded by Prof Stephen Challacombe:
- Alumnus of the Year, 2023, awarded posthumously to Professor John Radford and received by his brother Dr David Radford and John’s son, Thomas Radford. They gave speeches of thanks acknowledging what a great man Prof John Radford had been and thanking the Alumni Association for the recognition of this. Those from the class of ’91 were particularly delighted to be able to witness this as they had been students of John’s in Phantom head in ’88 and feel indebted to him.
- Distinguished Service Award 2023 was awarded to Dr Lyndon Cabot. This was the second time he received this prestigious award.
I am proud to be an alumna of both UMDS and King’s. I feel incredibly privileged to have become President of the Alumni Association; thank you for this opportunity. I hope to inspire and attract many more alumni to become active members of this amazing community; Dare Quam Accipere!– Charlie Spedding, DAA president Elect
The presidency was handed over to Charlie Spedding at the end of the Annual General Meeting.
Following the Deans lunch, there was an opportunity to join tours of the clinical and simulation teaching facilities which included hands-on demonstrations. The alumni were very impressed by the technology which was demonstrated superbly by Dr Melanie Nasseripour.
The alumni event continues to provide an invaluable opportunity for alumni to enjoy the company of a wide range of friends and colleagues and learn about developments within the faculty and oral health care.– Professor Michael Escudier, Executive Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences
The organisers would like to thank all who participated and attended this successful event, and look to welcome all back for the 2024 event to be held on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd March.