Career progression is very much a theme for the March issue of BDJ Team. We have a fascinating article by Rachael England about her role last year as a research dental hygienist as well as an informative piece by Sarah MacDonald on how to become an orthodontic therapist (OT). Sally Dye, meanwhile, Chair of the Orthodontic National Group for orthodontic nurses and therapists, explains what her organisation can do to help team members in the orthodontic field, the biggest of the dental specialist groups.

Still on the theme of careers, Mike Wheeler, a dental hygienist now working with Health Education England, explains how to gain an apprenticeship in the dental field. There are great opportunities for people wanting to work in the dental field but needing financial support to gain skills.

As you will read in my opinion piece about the NHS Long Term Plan, dental care professionals are likely to play an even greater role in the future in the delivery of preventive care, which is very much a priority for this government.

The Mouthcare Matters scheme is the epitome of prevention. What better way to combat the ailments that can ensue from a neglected mouth than by teaching doctors and nurses on medical wards and in residential homes to be alive to mouthcare issues. Sarah Haslam is a dental nurse who is working in a different but effective way. I am sure we are going to see more mouthcare nurses in the future! As Rachael England said: 'I think we should fully utilise the skills of the whole dental team - including the lab! - improve access to care in lower socio-economic areas, incentivise preventative treatment and reward health.'

Nothing illustrates the importance of staying on top of good hygiene more than the topic of periodontal disease. We now know that once you have it, you have it for life. As a result of a wealth of new evidence that has emerged to improve our understanding of the disease, the classification system has been updated. I am delighted to bring you coverage of the revised approach to classification and its implementation.

The March issue brings the fourth in our series on the management of medical emergencies in the dental practice. This time oxygen is the topic and Emma Hammett's article presents another opportunity to build your CPD.

Two of the articles in the March issue are about dental teams being 'out on the road.' I predict that in the future, this will not be so unusual and a lot more oral care and advice will be happening away from dental practices. You read it here first!

Until the next time!

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Caroline Holland, Editor

caroline.holland@nature.com