Sir, I would like to applaud the courage and forward thinking of women in dentistry to respond to the changes in our profession and identify when the job is done. I qualified in 1985 and have clearly benefited from the achievements of women in dentistry. I have been able to pursue my chosen career, establish my own practice, and involve myself in teaching and some committee work without having to sacrifice my involvement with my children. Not many careers can offer that degree of flexibility to women even in these enlightened days. The work of women in dentistry and others to remove the inequalities for those of my generation have been so effective that my perception became a concern for the future damaging effect of positive discrimination and special arrangements for women which in time would undermine all the achievements. I am profoundly grateful for my equal footing with all of my colleagues and impressed by the forward thinking of Penny Joseph and her colleagues to wind up an organisation before it becomes stale and counterproductive.

Recent publicity for dentistry seems to have generated a considerable increase in interest in dentistry as a career at all levels. Our practice currently sees a very steady stream of students requesting work experience and school leavers looking for training as dental nurses. The quality and enthusiasm of these young people is a joy to see. I will continue to promote dentistry as an excellent career that offers variety, flexibility and challenge for anyone with a zest for life. I am very grateful to those who have contributed to my career satisfaction and I hope that I can give just a little to make it equally good for all dentists of the future. Well done to women in dentistry.