Sir, contrary to the view expressed by M. Austin in the 27 March 2010 edition of the BDJ (Membership tardiness; BDJ 2010; 208: 244), dental care professionals (DCPs) have no need to join the British Dental Association – a professional association for dentists. DCPs have their own professional associations which provide information, support and advice on their specific professional requirements; provide CPD tailored to their professional needs; represent their members in discussions with the appropriate bodies; and, in most cases, offer indemnity cover designed specifically for that particular class of DCP (rather than being added on to a dentist's cover as an afterthought).

These DCP associations – contrary to M. Austin's description of them as 'disparate organisations' – work together when necessary on behalf of DCPs, whilst maintaining the individuality and integrity of the various professions which make up the dental team.

Any DCP who is seeking to join an association in order to obtain CPD, indemnity and professional support would be better advised to join their OWN professional association, run by and for members of their own profession, and designed to meet their own specific professional needs.