'Can I apply to study dental hygiene without A-level Biology?'

This is a question commonly asked on dental nursing forums, and one which is answered in detail in this issue of BDJ Team by Julie Deverick, the new President of the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT), in the article Are you considering your career options?

The New Year and grey January skies often lead us to reflect on our current situation, both at home and at work. This year of course also marks the beginning of a new decade. [Does anyone else feel like it was only yesterday that we were celebrating the Millennium?!]

DCPs Sharon Grant and Laura Marshall are two fine examples of dental professionals making the most of their careers. Sharon started out as a dental nurse, became a dental therapist and radiography tutor, and has now given up practice to focus on running her own training company for dental nurses.

Dental hygienist and therapist Laura Marshall is only 24 and as well as working in two practices she has trained as a dental nurse tutor and is developing CPD courses!

For the dental hygienists and therapists among our readers, have you considered adding facial aesthetics to your skillset? The beauty industry is booming: aesthetics practitioner and dental hygienist Nafisa Mughal provides a lowdown on how you can train in facial aesthetic treatments.

This month also features an educational piece from young dentist Niecoo Tajmehr on treating white spots on children's teeth; our first Evidence-Based Dentistry article; and Caroline Holland explains what the Advancing Dental Care programme is, and its implications for some DCPs.

Where will the 2020s take you? In the words of Sharon Grant: 'If you really want something then go for it'. Happy New Year.

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Kate Quinlan

Editor

k.quinlan@nature.com