Sir, it was with some concern and disappointment that we, the undersigned, read of the BADN, BSDHT, CDTA, DTA and DLA rebuttal of a suggestion to 'join' the BDA in the 8 May edition of the BDJ (BDJ 2010: 208: 379). Such a defensive and isolationist stance is a contradiction to the concept of a team approach to delivering patient care. While we disagree with M. Austin's description of DCP organisations as being 'disparate', and with his notion that DCP organisations should be encouraged to join the BDA as a means of increasing revenue (BDJ 2010: 208: 244), we believe DCPs could benefit greatly from a closer affiliation to the BDA.

The British Orthodontic Society, which represents orthodontics and orthodontists in the UK, has actively engaged to affiliate its DCP colleagues into a coalition which is of benefit to the membership of all parties and to improving patient care delivery. The affiliation, which engages the British Orthodontic Society (BOS), Orthodontic National Group (ONG) and Orthodontic Technicians Association (OTA) does not seek to reduce the independence or integrity of these organisations but gives common ground, where common ground is both needed and useful.

We can only reflect on the positive outcomes of the closer affiliation between the orthodontic groups. We will continue to build on the team approach of ALL DCPs. We can only suggest that DCPs in the 'dental' field reconsider their current stance and adopt a more 'inclusive' approach.