British Dental Students' Association (BDSA) Committee

Hi everyone! My name is Afra Rahim, I’m currently in my fifth year at the University of Sheffield and I am honoured to be your British Dental Students’ Association (BDSA) President 2023-24.  

When I'm not in clinic, you'll most likely find me in my kitchen baking, in the peak district running or with my film camera taking photos.  

As President, I endeavour to ensure that the interests of dental students across the United Kingdom are at the heart of everything our association does. By enhancing communication and collaboration, creating an awareness of the BDSA and its work is at the forefront of my agenda. I am passionate about seeking and promoting new opportunities for dental students, widening participation from all dental schools in BDSA events, and thereby getting as many students involved as possible. I have made some of my dearest friends and fondest memories through attending BDSA events, and I would love for every dental student to enjoy the same fulfilling opportunity. 

The success of the BDSA relies on community and collaboration as its foundation. By cultivating relationships with dental universities across the UK, I strive to work with my student peers towards solving the issues affecting studying for our chosen profession the most. By ensuring that the voice of dental students is always heard and represented, I hope to facilitate the development of an environment that dental students feel supported in and able to achieve their full potential at university.  

I’m incredibly excited to work alongside with my wonderful Executive Committee, the elected BDA student representatives as well as the Presidents and Vice Presidents of the 16 dental universities. I aim to maintain the positive working relationships the BDSA has with the British Dental Association (BDA), Dental Schools Council (DSC) and European Dental Students’ Association (EDSA), as well as build relations and collaborate with new organisations, sponsors and charities.  

I am extremely proud of and continually inspired by the achievements of our vibrant dental student community. Our students’ attributes and talents stretch far beyond clinical ability. I wish to provide certification for the students who go the extra mile in making a difference in their communities, as well as recognise those who immerse themselves in their own personal, physical and academic endeavours and commitments. I am keen to document all of our achievements made through the establishment of the BDSA Newsletter. I am encouraged that our organisation is flourishing because our students are our future. 

I am optimistic for a successful year ahead and I look forward to meeting you all at upcoming BDSA events! 

Hi everyone! My name is Youssef El-Wahab and I am currently a fourth year dental student at King’s College London. I will be serving as the BDSA General Secretary for 2023-2024.

Having thoroughly enjoyed my previous year as BDSA Treasurer/Secretary, this undoubtedly confirmed my appreciation for this association: one which aspires to unite dental students both socially and academically whilst simultaneously serving as a voice for their views and potential concerns. 

As General Secretary this year I will endeavour to produce accurate minutes and clear agendas which I hope will support and underpin the activities of the BDSA as a whole. In addition to this, alongside other committee members, I will be ensuring events are carried out both effectively and efficiently.

I am very much looking forward to working with the rest of the Executive Committee and representatives to ensure another positive year for the BDSA!

Hi everyone! My name is Chloe Rowe and I am currently a fifth year dental student at Newcastle University and I will be serving as the BDSA Treasurer for 2023-2024.

Having joined the BDSA last year as a senior representative, I immediately enjoyed the ethos, union and work being carried out by the student representatives. To ensure dental students nationwide have a voice and concerns are addressed, as well as providing the opportunity for social interaction between all the dental schools, while also providing the opportunity for academic growth. I enjoyed the close link between the BDSA and BDA, and how seriously our thoughts and feelings were taken on board by the BDA chairs. I was also part of the BDA future leaders programme where I enjoyed the opportunity to learn and ask questions to experts from different sectors of the BDA.

My role entails keeping a close control of finances to ensure events such as the Conference and Sports day are able to run in an optimal yet sustainable manner. I aim to build upon the excellent work that has been achieved with the Douglas Jackson Grant: a beneficial initiative facilitating inter-dental school events proposed by passionate students.

I am very much looking forward to becoming more involved with the BDSA this year with my role on the Executive Committee.

Hi everyone! My name is Leena Soltan, I’m a third year dental student at King’s College London. This academic year I have the privilege of sitting on the British Dental Student’s Association (BDSA) Executive Committee as the Conference Organiser for 2023/24, as well as a Student representative for my university.

Alongside my amazing local organising committee, I hope to be able to create an inclusive and unforgettable weekend here in London. It has been a very long time since the BDSA conference was been held here, and we can’t wait to give students, from dental schools all over the UK, a little taste into what it’s like to be a student here at Kings. My main aim of the BDSA Conference is to bring together like-minded individuals from across various parts of the UK to connect through something that they are all passionate about. I hope to encourage this through having a fun and educational weekend, that includes amazing speakers covering an array of topics which would tailor to everyone’s interest in some form.

I look forward to working with the BDSA Executive Committee and the Student Representatives over the following year and meeting so many students over the course of the year!

For any BDSA Conference enquiries please email me at Leenasoltan@hotmail.com.

My name is Emma Anne Ross, and I am pleased to introduce myself as your Communication Officer for the BDSA Executive Committee in this academic year. It is an honour to take on this role.

I am currently in my fourth year of studies at the University of Glasgow, and I hold the
position of Senior BDSA Representative within the Glasgow Dental Student Society.
My role involves the effective management of all BDSA communications and social media.

I am fully committed to creating captivating and inspirational content for event advertisement, BDA membership promotion, and informing everyone of important matters. I aspire to fulfil this role with integrity and will do so through the following actions:

• Enhancing engagement across BDSA's social media platforms to foster an even more connected and informed BDSA community
• Actively promoting networking opportunities
• Representing the perspectives and concerns of dental students on a national level
• Publishing the BDSA newsletter termly to provide insights into current and developing affairs
• Contributing to the launch and maintenance of the BDSA website.

I am delighted to be part of the executive committee this year and look forward to meeting you all at upcoming events!

Warm regards,
Emma

Hi, I'm Yaqoub! I’m in my fourth year at the University of Birmingham, and I have the privilege of bringing the BDSA Sports Day to Birmingham for the 2023/2024 academic year. 

My role involves working closely with my local committee to create an engaging and inclusive sports day that brings dental students from across the UK together. By establishing a social media presence and engaging with the BDSA representatives at each university, my goal is to maintain a positive flow of communication to ensure all students are well-informed about this year’s sport day - an event to be remembered! 

In my spare time, I have a HUGE passion for sports. Running, cycling, and football have been integral parts of my life for years, and I've recently taken up tennis as well. Fun fact - I cycled the length of the UK, from Lands’ End to John O’Groats, in just nine days! 

I'm incredibly excited to work with the Executive Committee and our BDSA representatives to ensure ongoing success in the year ahead!

Hi everyone! It is an honour to remain on the BOSA Executive Committee this year as immediate past President.

I am delighted with the achievements of the BOSA Executive, BOSA Council and BDA Students Committee last year. For me, one of the most rewarding aspects of the BOSA and BDA are the connections that you make with other people. I will be forever grateful for those that I have worked closely with. It is very motivating to be part of a highly coordinated, hard-working team that is constantly improving.

As President and UK delegate, I had the opportunity to travel all over Europe participating in many different conversations regarding dentistry and healthcare fields. These experiences inspired me to stand for election as Vice President of Public Relations on the European Dental Students' Association (EDSA) board of directors. I have endeavoured to share my knowledge and experiences with our community and hope that you feel that you were kept in the loop with what your national dental student association is up to.

There are so many opportunities that are available to dental students in the UK. I look forward to working alongside current and prospective BOSA stakeholders and sponsors who make these possible.

I am excited to be part of a very capable team this year. Under Afra's Presidency, I have no doubt we will continue to build upon the accomplishments of last year.

Aliysha Rahman.

Zara Hussain, Queen’s University Belfast

Hi everyone, I’m Zara and I’m currently a fifth year dental student at Queen’s University Belfast! I am delighted to be part of BDSA as a Research Officer. 

I am excited to be working with the BDSA research summit committee to organise this year’s research summit. This summit is designed to provide dental students across the UK with a unique opportunity to showcase their research endeavours. Our aim is to create a dynamic platform that will bring together dental students who share a passion for research. By doing so, we hope to not only encourage collaboration but also lay the groundwork for numerous future research initiatives. 

Also I believe this summit will be an invaluable learning experience for dental students who are new to the world of research. It will offer them insights into the relevance of research in dentistry and its potential impact on their future career aspirations. Our goal is to foster a deep appreciation and understanding of research within the dental student community. 

I am looking forward to working with the rest of executive committee and representatives in making this year yet another successful one for BDSA!

Hira Chaudhry, Glasgow

Hi, I’m Hira and I’m a fourth-year dental student at University of Glasgow! I’m very excited to be the BDSA Research Summit Publicity Officer this year, assisting the Academic Officer through social media posts and help promote the upcoming BDSA Annual Research Summit and future events. 

 Having joined the BDSA recently and a new member of the BDJ Student reader panel, I’m thrilled to be part of an organisation that unites all dental students and puts their students’ best interest first. We are extremely fortunate as dental students to have such an organisation that includes and brings us together from different dental schools. My aim is to encourage as many dental students as possible to really immerse themselves in what the BDSA has to offer through their amazing social media posts, conferences, events and magazines. 

When I’m not at dental school, I love to hang out with my friends, read and do spin classes! 

Overall, I’m very excited to be a part of the BDSA and I look forward to working with the executive committee.