Belfast brushes up for first British-Irish dental conference

The British and the Irish Dental Associations have joined forces to organise the first ever-joint Annual Conference and this year Belfast will host the event.

The three-day conference kicks off at Belfast Waterfront Hall on Thursday, May 2, with a scientific programme featuring a range of national and international speakers.

Gerry Lennon, Chief Executive of the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB), says that the conference is of significant economic benefit to Belfast and Northern Ireland.

“More than 1,000 delegates, many of whom are bringing partners, will be visiting Belfast this week, staying for four nights and contributing in the region of £800,000 to the local economy,” he said.

“Outside of the conference, the delegates will be participating in the pub walking tour of Belfast and enjoying a dinner at the City Hall as well as an Irish Evening at Queen’s University.

“Belfast is also fulfilling its role as a gateway to the rest of Northern Ireland, with delegates also visiting Giant’s Causeway, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and a number of National Trust properties outside Belfast,” added Mr Lennon.

Professor Ian Benington from the School of Dentistry at Belfast’s Royal Hospital is President Elect of the British Dental Association this year.

“As President Elect of the British Dental Association, it gives me particular pleasure to welcome members of both associations here to Belfast,” said Mr Benington.

“Belfast is a vibrant lively city and we are confident that delegates will enjoy both the excellent conference facilities and social programme on offer, as well as a warm Belfast welcome.”

The Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau have facilitated attracting 50 conferences up until the year 2006.

(AMcE)