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However, on reading the letter of one of my colleagues from the National Examining Panel, James H. Hardy, Surrey, I was disappointed by his suggestion that it was time to drop the title PCD. Surely the fact that trainee dental nurses and patients do not understand the term, suggests it's time for a little more education and publicity to raise our profile higher. It took years to change the mindset of some from DSA to dental nurse.

The term PCD is still in its infancy. In the NHS primary care sector a similar acronym is used AHP - Allied Healthcare Professionals, including among others occupational therapists, podiatrists, district nurses and health visitors. This is a very influential professional body. As I work in the primary care sector I was only too pleased when the dental profession finally came up with the title PCD. At last we became a recognisable professional group, one to be given consideration by Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). As an active participant in several PCT committees including Infection Control and Health and Safety, I became aware that many of my fellow healthcare workers previously considered dentistry the sole domain of dentists. We cannot abandon the combination of the various dental professional groups that go to make up PCDs. I believe in time this too will be as strong and influential as the AHPs who retain the individuality of their different professional groups but have additional strength in numbers under the one name.

Vital is one the first outward recognitions for PCDs by the dental profession as a whole and long may it continue, but unfortunately it seemed to remain hidden under the BDJ. I made this observation after visiting several general dental practices during March and April. At each visit I showed the first issue of Vital to all the staff, none of the PCDs had seen it before. All of the dentists had it, but had failed to pass it onto their staff - without any substantial explanation as to why.

Change is a difficult notion for many people and at present dentistry is going through possibly its greatest upheaval with Options for Change, Statutory Registration and Agenda for Change. Not all change is for the best but I feel optimistic for the future and all that it holds for PCDs, especially dental nurses who have waited a very long time and worked hard toward gaining statutory registration, their patience and determination is to be finally rewarded. Hopefully with the opening up of career pathways with the use of their skill-mix and continued professional development, their job satisfaction and recruitment will improve.