BDJ Team has always been proud to be aimed at the whole dental team, just like its predecessor, Vital. An important part of BDJ Team is collaborating with the individual dental care professional (DCP) associations that exist in the UK, reflecting our shared missions to inform, entertain and educate our dental team readers.

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This July, I am really pleased to present a report of the British Association of Dental Therapy's (BADT) Diamond Anniversary conference; a round-up of the Society of British Dental Nurses' (SBDN's) recent whirlwind of activities; an article from the British Society of Dental Hygienists and Therapists' (BSDHT's) President Miranda Steeples on the public's views and experiences of dentistry; and also a feature from the British Orthodontic Society (BOS) about the #keepBritainsmiling campaign. Furthermore, we will be working closely with the British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) on a special dental nurse themed issue in October.

Of course, there are other members of the dental team who appear less often in BDJ Team including orthodontic therapists, dental technicians, clinical dental technicians and dental practice managers. I will definitely look to place greater focus on these groups in future issues - if any such DCPs would like to contribute or make a content suggestion, do drop me an email.

Our cover star this month is an inspiration for dental nurses wishing to progress in their careers but unsure they have suitable academic qualifications: meet Lauren Chipman in 'No A-levels, no problem'.

We also continue our 2023 focus on neurodiversity and dentistry, with part 3 in our series investigating 'Neuro-inclusion for dental patients' and an article from Nicola Sherlock on why 'functioning labels help no one'.

BDJ Team takes a break in August but I have lots of exciting content lined up for the autumn period. I may just take two weeks of sun and sea with the family ... but dental teams will never be far from my mind!

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Kate Quinlan

Editor

k.quinlan@nature.com