I haven't been out and about so much at dental events since before the pandemic! From the 20-year anniversary of the Robin Davies DCP Research Awards, to the launch of National Smile Month, and of course Dental Showcase and BDCDS (which is taking place as this issue goes live, at Birmingham NEC). Contrary to the way some of the general public may view dentistry in 2024, behind the scenes I feel that dental professionals have never been more positive and optimistic about spreading oral health messages and making the most of their careers. All of these events are great for putting faces to names and networking, finding new sources and ideas for content and importantly, to get away from my desk and communicate with other humans face to face!

figure 1

One of the people I have been pleased to ‘bump into' several times is Miranda Steeples, who appears twice in this issue - in her regular BSDHT feature, and also in the first of a series of interviews to celebrate ten years of BDJ Team. We reflect on the past ten years and look forward to the next. Regarding the oral healthcare team's progress in recent years, Miranda says ‘I believe we have much to celebrate, barriers have been lifted and there is a move for us to be able to work to our full capacity and capability'.

Also this month, we publish DCP research from another star student at UHI, who chose the subject of her dissertation after experiencing chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis firsthand. In September we will publish another DCP research issue, and are keen to hear from DCP students wishing to publish a summary of their findings (a bit like an academic poster), but also from practising dental professionals with research to share. Email me or ‘submit manuscript' through our website.

Dental therapist Ellena Jackson graces our cover this May and imparts her comprehensive wisdom for starting out on your dental therapy career - essential reading for graduates. Fellow dental therapist and reader panellist Lauren encourages you to brush up on your clinical examination skills, and Stephanie Boothroyd shares a theory of motivation that worked for her dental team.

I would love to hear how your dental team is celebrating National Smile Month: smileys at the ready!

figure 2

Kate Quinlan

Editor

k.quinlan@nature.com