Sir, I was interested to read Mr Bradley's letter (BDJ 2004, 196: 513) describing the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) as an 'inclusive association'. Having been accepted onto the specialist list in surgical dentistry in 2001, I wished to join an association that would represent this speciality. Unlike other specialists in BAOMS, surgical dentists are welcome to join, pay the appropriate subscription, but are the only ones denied voting rights! Clearly there is a role for a more inclusive, 'inclusive association'.