Kate Maynard

Summer is here, and with any luck the sun will be shining through the surgery window promising weekend strolls in the park and family barbecues on the lawn. But don't let daydreams of grilled sausage and freshly cut grass distract your attention from what really matters in the dental practice: your patients.

Your Lifeline Resuscitation Kit may be gathering dust in the corner, but would every member of your team know how to use it in an emergency? Mr Smythe may be coming in for a routine filling, but who's to say his frayed nerves and fear of syringes might not spiral out of control on an otherwise ordinary afternoon? Make sure you and your colleagues are prepared for every eventuality with a read through Martin Thornhill's article on page 37.

One professional used to dealing with the aftermath of emergencies is the Maxillofacial Prosthetist (MPT). The revealing article on page 25 describes how MPTs such as Bristolian Kevin Page handle facial disfigurement and rehabilitation.

'Making it work together' was the theme of this year's British Dental Conference and Exhibition, and what could be more relevant to Dental Care Professionals? With the opening of the GDC register for dental nurses and technicians now confirmed for 31 July 2006, hot on the heels of the new dental contract, the dental team now more than ever needs to unite. Julie Ferry set out to discover your views on the future of the industry on page 14 – with some optimistic responses.

The Vital office was flooded with entries to our very first sample CPD questions in the Spring issue. To be in with a chance of winning a prize this time round you'll need to swot up on aesthetic dentistry on page 19 – not too ugly a task!

Business aside, it is of course holiday season. Whether you're heading to the coast for fish and chips on the pier or boarding a flight to Jamaica, be sure to check out our tips for prudent packing (page 36). Drag the kids (or they'll drag you) to the dinosaur exhibition at London's Science Museum, or consider a foreign trip with a difference (page 29).

You might be reading this issue over coffee with your colleagues or from a hammock on the beach with a blueberry smoothie in your hand. Either way, if you have any feedback or want to tell us what you'd like to see in Vital, let us know. As the new Editor of Vital I look forward to hearing from you!

Kate Maynard, Editor