Welcome to the twelfth issue of BDJ Team: the last issue I will be signing off before I go on maternity leave. You could say that, as a new magazine, BDJ Team has been my baby for the last year (!) so I intend to leave it in safe hands to ensure that top quality, relevant content continues to be published.

We begin this February issue with guest writer Michael R. Young helping you get to grips with CQC. Mike compares dental practice compliance to running a restaurant; in both environments, the ‘consumer’ of services has the right to know that they are safe — which is why it is so important that regulations are adhered to.

Also in this issue we meet a dental technician who found his niche in education: Christopher Stokes has a PhD in materials science and created an innovative online dental course for anyone wishing to learn about dentistry – even the general public.

If you're planning a practice refurbishment this year, make sure you read our article on disabled access. It is essential for practice owners to consider access for all patients when making modifications to the practice.

This issue offers another hour of CPD and don't forget: all CPD since March 2014 is available until the end of 2015! www.nature.com/bdjteam/cpd