The BDSA is a student body run by an annually elected Executive Committee with student representatives from each UK dental school.

The position is a “dual-role”, where as well as President of the BDSA, Jitesh will also act as Vice-Chair of the Executive Board of the British Dental Association (BDA) Student Committee. The dual role will see him lead the BDSA Executive Committee, chair the BDSA Committee meetings and represent the BDSA and all UK dental students nationally and internationally.

Jitesh has good experience in representing his peers. At King’s he was elected as a year representative twice for the Dental Society and acted as the BDSA / EDSA rep in his third and fourth year. He aims to utilize his leadership experience of what worked well, and what may be best to avoid.

“I really enjoyed student representation in my roles as part of the King’s Dental Society,” he explains. “And I have always loved the BDSA events – they give us an excellent opportunity to meet dental students from across the country, visit new cities and are importantly, great fun.

“But the BDSA is more than just a social association – we represent students and are the official voice for UK dental students. That’s over 5,500 students!”

Jitesh credits King’s for helping develop his leadership skills. He explains: “The curriculum at King’s is special in that it introduces leadership and teamwork modules early on. Not only are these skills important as being a dentist, but they help with leadership roles outside the Faculty, such as being President.”

During his time as President, Jitesh hopes to launch a new website for the Association and set policies for better governance. He will work closely with professional dental organisations to ensure good student representation and improve their international links.

“The Association will also be celebrating 80 years in 2022 – we’ve got some good plans in the pipeline!”