Dear BDJ Team,

I am a lead dental nurse working in a private dental practice in Leigh on Sea, Essex. I would like my practice principals to have some recognition for their continued dedication to supporting the wellbeing of their staff members.

At our practice we facilitate students studying dental hygiene/therapy. We also currently offer diabetes screening to patients who are at risk of diabetes. This service has also been offered to staff members (if they wish to take part) and many of us have been screened. I am very pleased to report none of the staff members who took part are high risk, but it has heightened our awareness of which factors contribute to type 2 diabetes.

It has been requested in staff meetings that if our practice principals wish to buy the staff biscuits/cakes to help with staff morale can there now be a healthier option/alternative. Consequently, our practice principals have now provided a fruit bowl in the staff room which is filled with fresh fruit weekly. It seems to have been a big hit with the staff members. We are now also being provided with alternative milk options to enjoy in our tea and coffees, not forgetting our herbal tea options.

I think you will agree that our principals have gone above and beyond for their staff members by helping us to lead and maintain a healthy lifestyle. In my personal opinion I think staff who are healthy are also happy so I think the practice will greatly benefit from this.

Sarah Smith, Lead RDN, Chalkwell Dental Practice, Leigh on Sea