David Westgarth, Editor, BDJ Student

Hello, and welcome to the new academic year! A big hello to new BDA members, and another to members moving up through the gears.

As we start the academic year, it would be remiss of me not to mention the financial stresses and strains many predict are on the horizon. It's ok to ask for help, and new British Dental Students Association (BDSA) President, Joshua Kennedy, has helpfully put together some excellent resources for any student who may need the help. He also chats to BDJ Student about his view for his term as President, and the need for dental students to have a wider understanding of what's going on in the dental political world.

During my time as editor, I've seen thousands of submissions to BDJ Student, many of which have been of the highest quality. I am continually impressed at how the quality seems to improve year after year, and that's a testament to each and every one of you who has decided to take the plunge and write in.

For others, it's not that easy. One question I'm often asked is 'where do I begin?' If this sounds like you, or you're wondering how to take your writing onto the next level, The New Writers' Workshop, being held on Tuesday 25 October, is a perfect place to start. Held at the BDA's headquarters in central London, for £20 for full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students, you'll get to learn how to get your submission right first time, publication ethics, the peer review process, open access publishing and much more. You'll find further details in the news pages, but for any budding, aspiring or keen author, I highly recommend signing up for the day.

On behalf of everyone at the BDA, I wish you all the very best for the year ahead, and remember to check out BDJ Student's content published on a monthly basis!