The Faculty of Dental Surgery

16/04/2026

Three members have been elected by you to join our FDS Board. We welcome and congratulate Neil Shah, who will be formally admitted to the Board in June and to Robert Crawford and Professor Jennifer Gallagher, who have been re‑elected.

Read the elected members’ statements and find out more about our Board: https://ow.ly/w2Xt50YKiBv

08/04/2026

There are just 24 hours left to vote for your next FDS Board members.

This is your final opportunity to choose who represents you. Vote now: https://ow.ly/fJg950Yyyn5

02/04/2026

One week left to have your say.

Time is running out to cast your vote in the FDS Board elections. Take a few minutes to review the candidates’ statements and decide who will represent you.

The FDS Board plays a key role in shaping standards, policy and the future direction of dental surgery.

Voting ensures your voice is reflected in these decisions. Cast your vote by 9 April: https://ow.ly/TE0E50Yyxgw

01/04/2026

April’s issue of the Faculty Dental Journal brings together the everyday realities of practice with wider questions about how care is delivered.

We look at the financial and environmental impact of unattended appointments, antimicrobial prescribing in a hospital setting and how patient and public involvement can strengthen research.

Read the full issue: https://ow.ly/AZw850YBBsM

30/03/2026

Over the weekend, The Telegraph reported that children born with a cleft lip and palate could face lifelong complications under plans to scrap specialist training, following concerns about the future of specialist training.

Earlier this month, we wrote to the Department of Health and Social Care - DHSC, along with a dozen other organisations, warning that the axing of central funding would put patients at risk.

In the article, our President, Mr Tim Mitchell, said:
“TIG Fellowships have been a vital part of training cleft surgeons, ensuring they gain the highly specialised skills needed to deliver safe, high-quality care for children with cleft lip and palate. Ending national support for these posts without a clear alternative risks undermining the future workforce for cleft services.

“The same concerns apply across other complex surgical areas – from head and neck cancer to major trauma and breast reconstruction. A coordinated national approach is essential to make sure patients continue to have access to surgeons with the advanced expertise these services rely on.”

Read more in the Telegraph:

Plans to scrap specialist training could leave patients with permanent speech difficulties and problems with eating

26/03/2026

Congratulations to our Dean, Charlotte Eckhardt, on receiving an honorary fellowship for her leadership, innovation and service in healthcare and to our College ❤️

25/03/2026

Today, we welcomed over 120 diplomates and their families to celebrate their wonderful achievements 🙌

We've also had the pleasure of welcoming five honorary fellows into our Faculty, including Baroness Helena Kennedy KC, who spearheaded the work which helped our College place diversity and inclusion at the centre of our strategy.

To our newest members and fellows of the Faculty of Dental Surgery, welcome to our College 🎉

20/03/2026

This , we’re reflecting on the progress being made to improve children’s oral health — and the work still ahead:

🥤 Reducing sugar to protect children’s teeth: In November 2025, the government agreed to expand the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL) – an important win driven by years of our advocacy.

📈 Bringing the data into focus: We’ve highlighted challenges such as preventable tooth decay and poor access to dental care, using national data. Our analysis found that every 15 minutes, a child undergoes a tooth extraction due to tooth decay.

🏫 Supporting prevention in schools: We continue to champion the rollout of the government’s supervised toothbrushing scheme in schools, welcoming its evaluation to ensure it delivers meaningful impact in the areas where access is most limited.

Tackling preventable tooth decay and improving the care available to children will remain a key priority.

17/03/2026

The FDS Board helps guide standards and policy across the dental profession. Your vote supports the priorities that matter most.

📩 Voting is open—check your email for your unique voting code and cast your vote by 9 April: https://ow.ly/Y0Mx50YtoqN

16/03/2026

⏳ Final hours to apply for our educational bursaries.

Want up to a £1,000 towards any RCS England course held at our London HQ?

📅 If you’ve been considering applying, there’s still time to submit your application.

Closing today at 11:45pm (BST): https://ow.ly/B5hI50Ysgc9