Please note: dates are still provisional, and will be confirmed once it is known which associations are on board so we can make it work for everyone.

Following the immense success of our previous 'Battle of the Specialties' event, we are expanding our ambitions this year to host our second annual series as a national event in collaboration with Global Dental Collective. This pioneering event brought together a panel of experienced clinicians to debate and champion their specialties. It was a unique and highly successful platform for students to explore a wide range of career options, as highlighted in our event videography

This year, we are taking the concept to the next level by inviting official specialty associations to be involved, making this a truly national event. Our goal is for the President or a senior member from each association to not only share their personal career journey, but more importantly discuss the future of their fields over the next ten years, which is highly relevant for our student audience. 

The "Battle of the Specialties" stands out from other conferences by offering a unique and immersive format. Most conferences typically offer one-off sessions, but our two-part series ensures comprehensive insight into multiple specialties. The event is a joint production of King's Dental Society and the Global Dental Collective, combining the reputation of Kings College London and the student reach of KCL Dental Society with Global Dental Collective’s expertise in curating immersive education formats.

The event is structured as a two-part series to ensure maximum delegate engagement.

Part 1: The Panel and Networking Evening on Friday, 23rd January 2026, will feature senior representatives discussing their fields in a dynamic, debate-style format. This includes the staging of debates with strategic lighting, interactive voting, and bold provocations to enhance the experience. The flow of the evening, including music, transitions, and audience interaction, will be carefully designed by GDC to create a lively and engaging atmosphere.

Part 2: The Hands-On Workshop Day on Saturday 24th January 2026, will be an immersive day where students get to experience a full or half-day hands-on workshop of their choice.  This allows students to take what they have heard during the panel discussion and apply it in a practical setting, gaining valuable hands-on experience. 

This combination of a panel discussion and practical workshops ensures students receive comprehensive insight into multiple specialties, a format that is often unclear when delivered as one-off sessions. It also brings everyone together and provides a dedicated time for students to ask questions directly to each specialty. There will also be an opportunity for a trade stand on one of the days, providing a dedicated space to discuss with students who are eager to learn more about a specific specialty.