British Association of Dental Nurses to merge with Community
The aim is to extend BADN's influence, expand its membership and enhance the offer it provides to its members
Members of the British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) have voted overwhelmingly to approve a merger with Community, the trade union representing workers in a diverse range of sectors.
Ahead of the launch of the ballot on a merger, the BADN’s Chair and General Secretary Ruth Garrity RDN said that joining forces with Community would allow the organisation to “extend its influence, expand its membership and enhance the offer it provides to its members.”
After the result of the vote was announced last week, Pam Swain MBE, BADN’s Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to be moving forward, supporting dental nurses and promoting the dental nursing profession, together with Community – an organisation which shares BADN’s aims and values.
“We look forward to the future as part of a strong and effective partnership. I am personally delighted that, when I retire next year, I shall be leaving the Association in safe hands capable of continuing to support, promote and benefit dental nurses and the dental nursing profession.”
Following the vote, Preetee Hylton, the BADN’s President announced her resignation. In an email sent on Saturday, Ms Hylton said it had been a “considered decision following reflection during my tenure.” Her tenure was due to end in October, but she said she will leave office on 5 June.
Ms Hylton added: “It has been a privilege to work alongside colleagues and stakeholders across the dental profession, and I remain sincerely grateful for the support, collaboration, and professional relationships developed during my time in office.
“The past few months have reinforced for me the importance of remaining true to my professional ethics, integrity, and principles in leadership and representation – values which will continue to guide me moving forward.
“I remain deeply committed to supporting high standards, professionalism and advocacy within the oral healthcare profession, and I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues across the profession in the future.”
She will be succeeded by the current President-elect, Carolyn Roberts RDN, Senior Dental Nurse for Anglesey and Gwynedd CDS clinics within Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. Following the merger, Ms Roberts will take over as Chairman of the BADN Community Committee.