The British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show (BDCDS) is inviting the next generation of dental professionals to showcase their creativity and vision through an exciting new student competition in collaboration with the University of Birmingham School of Dentistry. The competition will culminate at the BDCDS 2026, taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 15 - 16 May 2026.

The BDCDS is the UK’s most influential dental trade event, attracting over 10,000 dental professionals for two days of cutting-edge clinical and commercial content, live product demonstrations, and networking opportunities. As part of the Next Generation Conference, a theatre dedicated to the future of dentistry, students from University of Birmingham School of Dentistry will have the chance to present their ideas to a live audience of dental industry leaders, innovators, and peers.

‘We are committed to empowering dental students and providing them with platforms to engage with the wider industry,’ said Stewart Turner, Event Director. This competition is about inspiring creativity, encouraging critical thinking, and giving students a voice in shaping the future of oral healthcare.’

Students from years 3 - 5 at the dental school are being invited to submit concepts around one of three themes, tying into the overarching 2026 campaign theme, ‘Shape the future of dentistry’:

• Dentistry in 2040: Imagine how oral care will be delivered in 10–15 years, from patient access and practice workflows to new technologies and training models.
• The one innovation that will transform dentistry: Propose a single product, technology, or service that could revolutionise dental practice or patient care.
• Solving one major challenge facing dentistry today: Identify a pressing issue, such as workforce shortages, access to care, or sustainability, and present a practical, scalable solution.

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel comprising BDCDS advisory board members and University staff, with three finalists selected to present their ideas at the Next Generation Conference on Friday 15 May 2026. The overall winner will then be declared at the show.

‘This competition gives students a unique chance to think beyond clinical training and imagine the future of dentistry,” said a spokesperson from the University of Birmingham School of Dentistry. ‘We’re thrilled that the finalists will present their ideas at BDCDS in May – a fantastic platform to showcase their creativity, connect with industry leaders, and gain real exposure to the dental profession.’