The student dentists' year is a funny one: a rollercoaster of revision, lab work   totals, vivas, battling with face bows, exams, patients (with their dentures or lack thereof) and partying, all of which I say we do rather well at Bristol and this year has been no exception.

A busy year started with the annual BDSA sports day, which has now morphed into a weekend of sports and other ‘extra-curricular’ activities, this year hosted by Leeds. After the rugby, netball and football competitions (and the classic A&E rush after a hockey ball to the face) the weekend culminated in a Noah’s Ark party – with pairs of dental animals marching two by two through the northern streets! Friday nights are officially back on the map with the opening of the newly refurbished Hathorn Bar. Summer nights played host to barbecues and now, with winter table football and pool tournaments, the old Bristol traditions are really kicking off again, aided obviously by the cheapest drinks in town. This year the bar is being excellently run by Luke Mirza and Beth Archard who are doing a splendid job keeping the punters happy! The Dental Ball committee this year needed a standing ovation for their efforts in organising one of the most fantastic balls I’ve ever been to. With life size cut-outs of Hollywood stars and theatrical music playing during the meal, you really did feel like you had just walked off the red carpet. Once again the ski trip this year was a resounding success, bringing together dental students from across the 5 years on the slopes. Although the coach journey was just as long, the snow this year was amazing and everyone returned exhausted but elated. Thanks and congratulations go to Adam Crosby Jones and Fiona Welborn for their organisation.

The Dental School expansion is now practically complete - with the junior years bringing 70 students on to clinic! With the sparkly new chairs I can’t tell the fine line between lucky and spoilt. Both patients and students are equally impressed by the swanky new surroundings! Having only taken over from Christoph Harper and his committee in November, I’m excited to say I think there is a lot more to come from Bristol this year. My personal thanks go to Christoph and the 2008 committee for their dedication to all the students in 2008 … let’s see what 2009 brings. Still proud to be Bristol!

This site was last updated 27-Nov-2009