Sir, I could not stop myself writing in for the first time to express myself about the annual BDTA meeting at Birmingham NEC last year.

I arrived this year with my family – my wife, 8-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter. Within just 30 minutes of our arrival our kids came back with cups full of free candy floss, boxes of chocolates and sweets galore! Most stands seemed to be giving out mints and sweets to entice our attention to buy their products. Please tell me I am getting cynical in my old age (I'm 47) but really, really, should we be endorsing such an image at a dental event such as this? This is a dental event aimed at preventing dental disease ... or have I got it so wrong in the past and should I be giving candy floss out to my patients to promote my practice and ensure that my books are full over this coming recession? Surely with a little imagination and effort stands should promote healthy foods. I look forward next year to more sweets and more fillings!