About the Royal Odonto-Chirurgical Society of Scotland
Formed in 1867, The Royal Odonto-Chirurgical Society of Scotland, aka the 'Odonto', is believed to be the oldest dental society in Europe, and the longest continuously active in the world. It was established to 'promote and diffuse knowledge connected with Dental Science and Practice' and still to this day, continues with these aims and objectives. The Society also serves to provide a means for professional support and networking where like-minded colleagues can come together in a convivial and friendly environment.
It is a great honour to have been elected President for 2026-27 joining a long list distinguished past Presidents, many of whom have played a part in my career so far. I have tried to arrange an i programme covering many of the dental specialties, which I hope will be of interest to a wide audience.
The Society meets on the second Thursday of the month from November to March inclusive at the Symposium Hall, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, in Hill Square. Starting at 6.45pm, refreshments are served to allow the opportunity to meet colleagues and friends in a relaxed, informal setting. The formal part of the evening commences at 7.30pm with a lecture attracting one hour's Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for those who wish to count the activity. A more recent innovation is dinner in a local restaurant after each meeting, to which Members are cordially and warmly invited to attend - a perfect opportunity to socialise with Council Members and the Speaker for the evening.
The society recently changed the constitution to welcome Dental Care Professionals as members and I hope that members of the DCP team will be warmly welcomed and interested in the programme, becoming integral to the society over future years. We are therefore interested in widening the interest and involvement of all members of the dental team, so please get in touch with suggestions for meeting topics or their format.
The Annual Dinner is always the social highlight of the year and it will be held on Friday 12 March 2027 when Dr Susan Baines, incoming President will be the host.
I very much hope to meet and welcome you to our meetings in 2026-2027.

Donald Thomson
President, 2026-2027
Office-Bearers for 2026 - 2027
President: Donald Thomson
Senior Vice-President: Susan Baines
Junior Vice-President:
Honorary Secretary: Byran Yip
Honorary Treasurer: Caroline Wooldridg
Council
Past President: Mark McCutcheon
Alex Coakley
Pauline Maillou
Louise O'Dowd
Colin Ritchie
Nirmal Shah
Arvind Sharma
Colin Ritchie