28/09/2026
BOC 2026 Reflections: The strength of our community
After three packed days in Brighton, there is so much to reflect on — brilliant speakers, an impressive exhibition, a fantastic buzz throughout the Brighton Centre and a Friday night social that will take some beating.
But one of the moments that stayed with us most happened away from the lecture halls.
Friday night’s MND charity swim was a wonderful example of the strength of the orthodontic community. Seeing so many people come together to support it — orthodontists, colleagues, friends and trade partners — felt like a perfect snapshot of what makes this community so special.
BOC is, of course, about education: sharing clinical knowledge, hearing new perspectives, discovering innovation and discussing where orthodontics is heading next. But it is also about something much harder to replicate anywhere else: bringing people together.
The conversations in the corridors. The introductions that turn into collaborations. Catching up with people you may only see once or twice a year. Clinicians, academics, societies, industry partners and teams all sharing the same space — and, on Friday night, the same rather chilly stretch of Brighton sea.
BOC 2026 was a reminder that professional communities are built on far more than CPD and clinical excellence. They are built on relationships, generosity, shared experiences and people willing to show up for one another.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part, supported from the beach and helped make the swim such a memorable moment for such an important cause: One of the moments from Brighton that will stay with us.
And while we’re still reflecting on everything BOC 2026 gave us, we’re already looking ahead to the next chapter.
Manchester 2027 — we’re coming for you. 🐝
