BSP’s 2025 Oral Health Summit: advancing knowledge through collaboration

The British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry (BSP) held its 2025 Oral Health Summit (OHS) in Edinburgh on 27–29 November, bringing together a record 800 participants for the three-day meeting. The event focused on periodontal science, implant dentistry, prevention, and team-based care.

Attendance reached full capacity, and the exhibition featured 33 industry stands. The programme included three parallel streams designed for hygienists, dental therapists, general dental practitioners and periodontal specialists. Seven BSP workshops on periodontology and implant procedures were fully booked.

Reflecting the collaborative nature of periodontal and oral health practice, the event incorporated a one-day joint meeting with the British Society for Oral and Dental Research (BSORD), along with two days of joint sessions between the BSP and the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT). The Summit also included a session held in collaboration with SEPA and supported by Kenvue.

The scientific programme featured an international line-up of speakers, with contributions from EFP secretary general Anton Sculean, EFP treasurer Andreas Stavropoulos, and EFP past president Moritz Kebschull. Other speakers included Klaus Lang, István Urban, Otto Zuhr, Markus Schlee, Iain Chapple, Mike Curtis, Phil Marsh, Christoph Ramseier, Dagmar Slot, and Jeanie Suvan, reflecting the breadth of expertise represented at the meeting.

A highlight was the patient session, chaired by advocate Jane Knott. Modelled on a lively talk-show format, four women shared their personal journeys with periodontal disease, offering dental professionals rare insights into patient expectations, vulnerabilities, and motivations. Feedback described the session as "insightful", "moving", and "essential for understanding real-world experience of care".

The programme also included the popular “Pint of Science” session, a discussion on the relationship between oral biofilm and the host environment, delivered in an informal setting. Professors Iain Chapple, Mike Curtis, Tariq Iqbal and Phil Marsh contributed to this debate.

BSP president, Professor Nicola West said: "The programme offered something for everyone, with multiple BSP workshops led by international experts and opportunities for delegates to develop and practice surgical techniques. Feedback from delegates was overwhelmingly positive, with participants highlighting the quality of the presentations, the value of the joint meeting format and the atmosphere at the venue. I was also proud to see the BSP host a wide range of world-class speakers, supported by evening events designed to help delegates unwind, connect, and strengthen professional relationships."

Social events added to congress experience, including a black-tie dinner at the Signet Library, home to first editions of Harry Potter, which featured traditional Scottish music and dancing.

Reflecting on the summit’s success, Prof West said: "It was a true honour and privilege to represent the BSP as president of this event in the city of Edinburgh. Seeing so many familiar and smiling faces throughout the meeting was a real pleasure. I am delighted that so many participants had a valuable and enjoyable experience, and it is clear that many of our members would welcome more BSP conferences of this scale in the future."

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