Sir, Dr Mannan (A centralised approach; BDJ 2020; 229: 6) makes a valid point.

The work of all the agencies and organisations which produced COVID-related guidance under the most difficult of circumstances is to be applauded. In hindsight, however, the leadership shown by the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) and College of General Dentistry in forming a Task Force to produce 'back to practice' guidance (), with a membership drawn from across dentistry, will be seen as the way for the profession to work together in the future. Facilitating and coordinating such working, including relevant expert input, is a key aim of the new College (). As an independent, standard setting, UK-wide organisation for all members of the dental team, the College will be best placed to provide the leadership Dr Mannan correctly identifies as missing.

To enable the College to become fully established at the earliest possible opportunity and provide the collegiate leadership which the dental profession requires, all dental healthcare professionals, who have not already done so, are encouraged to become a Foundation Member of the College - a quick, simple, inexpensive online process (). Dentistry must no longer be the only major healthcare profession in the UK without a College, let alone a Royal College.