Welcome to January's BDJ Team, and the eagle-eyed readers will have noticed it's through a little earlier than usual.

That's just one of the changes we've brought in. From here on in you will receive your copy of BDJ Team on the first Friday of every month, complete with the same mix of news, thought-provoking features, insightful comment, and of course, your one hour's free verifiable CPD.

I'm delighted to introduce a brand new reader panel for 2016. Some of the names and faces you may recognise, and you can see the full panel in this issue. Each and every month you will hear from one of them members, as they provide an article on their topic on interest. This month we ask Shaun Howe where he thinks DCPs will be in 10 years' time – and it's a very interesting read!

In this issue we hear from newly-elected BACD President Bertie Napier on his thoughts for office and the future of the BACD. With demand for cosmetic work increasing seemingly on a daily basis, the Academy may well form a large part of cosmetic dentistry's future.

We also take a look at four practices involved with the BDA's Good Practice. Their ideas and tips on how to manage campaigns and encourage compliance may well be worth noting for future reference.

A new year means a new start for many, so we ask Editor-in-Chief Dr Stephen Hancocks for his ten top tips on how to get published. With the launch of BDJ Open, there's never been a better time to see your work in print.

To wrap things up we look at some of the more unusual reasons employees find themselves on the sick bed. With the help of Dentists' Provident and some clumsy stories, it's a good reminder of why it's never too early to protect your future.

I'm now vacating the editor's chair for the returning Kate Quinlan. It's been a pleasure steering the BDJ Team ship. Enjoy the issue and I wish you all the very best for the year ahead.