Sir, I read with great interest the mental health themed issue of BDJ in Practice. As we live through the legacy of a global pandemic and the increased daily stresses for the dental team, this issue seemed most timely.

Whilst all of the articles had important messages for the team, the article on work-based stress1, raised in my opinion key issues for the dental team moving forward:

'…to better understand a new generation of dentists and to adjust the dental health system accordingly, in order to offer working conditions that provide flexibility and enhance work/life balance with clearer progression pathways and a healthier practice environment - for now and in the future.'

From my perspective working in a dental school, I think key to supporting students and new graduates is embracing the concept of 'community of practice' where we do our utmost to support each other, no matter what stage you are on in the professional journey. Dental schools have in my opinion come a very long way since I graduated 30 years ago with regard to awareness of mental health, and provision of a wide range of support mechanisms. My concern is what happens beyond the supportive environment of dental schools and dental foundation training, where support networks may be less clear cut, but the challenges in many respects greater. The below from a former Peninsula Dental School student, highlights this issue:

'I am very grateful to you and all the staff at Peninsula for equipping me with a mind-set to overcome adversity, to adapt, and succeed. I often vividly remember lectures you gave to us at Peninsula where you spoke of 'the first five years' and how it was going to be an important and challenging journey for each of us... Looking back, I feel I somewhat underestimated the insightfulness of your very wise words!'

The release of the College of General Dentistry's Professional Framework - Career pathways in dentistry2, which corresponded with the mental health issue, seemed a timely coincidence. These pathways will hopefully allow the vast majority of colleagues who enter primary care a structured, supportive pathway, much as suggested in the BDJ In Practice article. The professional framework has been developed with all team members in mind, moving through the professional journey from safe practitioner to accomplished practitioner. Perhaps crucially from a supportive perspective every certified member will receive support from a College Facilitator providing mentorship and guidance.

As the themed issue highlights, the pressures on the dental team seem to be greater than ever, and this structured well defined career pathway will help foster the community of practice, where we can work collectively to support each other.