This year, our University had the opportunity to be represented at the International Association of Dental Students (IADS) Congress in Azerbeijan
This year marked a significant step forward in expanding opportunities for our dental students, as the BLSA secured membership with the International Association of Dental Students (IADS). Developed through the BLSA to strengthen international engagement and create greater opportunities for dental students within the global dental student community, the initiative was led by Yousef in his role as Dental President for both the BLSA and Dental Society, alongside BLSA President Maria in developing and advancing the membership application.
With the valued support of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry throughout the process, they attended the IADS Mid-Year Meeting and Congress in Azerbaijan to formally present the case for membership. Following a unanimous vote of acceptance, the BLSA joined the IADS General Assembly, enabling Barts and The London dental students to contribute perspectives and engage on an international platform.The congress was an extremely valuable experience, bringing together dental student associations from across the world to share ideas, discuss challenges, and build long-term relationships. Across the programme, delegates took part in two days of General Assembly, alongside workshops, scientific sessions, structured discussions, and networking opportunities with student leaders from a wide range of countries.
For Barts and The London dental students, this represents the beginning of a wider opportunity to strengthen international engagement, learn from other student associations, and explore new academic, research, elective, and public health opportunities for our students.
A major theme throughout the congress was the potential of the IADS network to support student electives and international opportunities. Through its Exchange Programmes, regional ambassadors, and international signposting, IADS provides students with access to a global dental student network. This could help students explore placements, exchanges, academic experiences, and international collaborations in countries around the world.
The congress also highlighted how IADS supports individual countries and student organisations to host summits and events. Recent examples include regional summits such as those in the Asia-Pacific region, alongside the development of guidance and resources to help future host organisations. This opens exciting possibilities for UK dental students, including the potential for international events to be hosted at Barts.
Learn more about how IADS supports students
The organisation has an extensive alumni network and a range of student-led programmes, including the Standing Committee on Research and Education. This committee oversees the International Dental Research Program, which encourages international cooperation by helping dental students become involved in established research projects.
It also supports the International Dental Courses Program, where students can attend workshops and lectures across different dental specialties, gain hands-on experience, and network with peers and international dental companies. The organisation’s established exchange programmes are usually week-long packages hosted in different countries and may include lectures, workshops, work experience, cultural activities, and social programmes. For students, this could provide an accessible way to gain international exposure while building friendships and professional connections across the world.
In addition, the International Journal of Dental Students provides students with the opportunity to publish their research in a student-led academic journal.
Beyond research and education, IADS also has a Public Health Committee, which runs voluntary public health programmes across the world. These opportunities could provide students with meaningful international volunteering and public health experience, while also complementing elective-style learning.
Overall, the congress demonstrated the significant potential of our involvement with IADS. The network offers opportunities across research, education, public health, exchanges, volunteering, networking, and leadership development. Over the coming months, the executive committee will be exploring how best to utilise these opportunities for the benefit of our students and how they can be integrated into our wider aims as a student association.
Our membership with IADS marks an important step in strengthening the international presence of Barts and The London dental students. It has the potential to open new doors for collaboration, broaden student experiences, and create meaningful opportunities for dental students both in the UK and abroad.
Want to get move involved with your dental community? Check out the Dental Society for more events and opportunities.
