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.
Update 19 May – BADN issued the following press release:
BADN announce that Preetee Hylton RDN has resigned as BADN President and her resignation has been accepted by the BADN Executive Committee with immediate effect.
Ms Hylton will no longer represent BADN at any meetings or events. Following BADN’s merger with Community Union in mid-June, the post of BADN President will cease to exist. The President-elect, Carolyn Roberts, will become Chairman of the BADN Community Committee. In the meantime, members of the BADN Executive Committee will represent BADN at forthcoming events.
The remaining BADN Executive Committee members will continue to support and promote dental nurses and the dental nursing profession as generations of volunteers have done for the last 86 years.
Any queries should be directed to the BADN Chief Executive at enquiries@badn.org.uk