Secretaries and chief executives of the British Dental Association (1879-2020) - part 1: the early years

Abstract

Part 1 examines the early rise of the British Dental Association from its origins in 1879. With its gradual expansion came a need for secretaries to carry forward its aims and objectives. In these early days, the work was carried out by non-paid members of the association on a part-time basis. Only in 1920 was a paid dental secretary appointed. The dental lives of all the people who served the association in that era are examined.

Key points

• Shows how the BDA arose from humble beginnings to become the leading dental organisation in the UK.

• Demonstrates how, over the years, the dental secretaries changed from part-time amateurs to full-time professionals to keep up with the increased numbers of members and complexity of the work.

• Reminds us of the changing homes for the association.