Sir, I read with interest the recent article in the BDJ about binge drinking and your accompanying editorial (BDJ 2006; 201: 547, 587–590).

I was reminded of a Talking Points meeting one or two years ago when you were one of the speakers. One of the topics was tobacco smoking and its related health problems. While the speakers were united in condemning smoking as a thoroughly bad habit, alcohol was clearly seen in a very favourable light. All three of the speakers made jokes about drinking. One speaker even suggested that the only way for a team leader in a dental practice to forge good relationships with the staff was to go out and get drunk with them. At the time I felt that these comments were inappropriate. I suspect I was a little sensitive about the subject because first of all I had a former colleague in the audience who has an alcohol dependency problem and secondly the person sitting next to me was an orthodox Muslim. She and the numerous other non-drinkers in the audience were probably very uncomfortable with these comments.

I have been a social drinker for many years. I do not have any problems with dependency but I accept that this is a matter of good fortune rather than my good sense or strength of character. I was associated with Benfund for some time and I am aware of the problems that alcohol can bring to the profession. I would suggest times have moved on and we should no longer be revelling in a booze culture.