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Throughout the annals of time there are moments that we can - and have - collectively looked back on and identified change. In my lifetime (about to show my age) the first proper moment I can recall was the death of Princess Diana and the press' relationship with the Monarchy. That was followed by 9/11 and the War in Iraq, the Lehman Brothers - all three that had a direct impact on each and every one of us.

There are other moments that have taken more time to evolve that carry the same impact. The trio of events listed above are akin to the 'put the frog in boiling water and it'll jump out' idiom. Others such as LGBTQ+ rights are more along the lines of 'put the frog in cold water, turn up the heat gradually, and it'll stay' train of thought. All are as seismic as the last, and all will have a lasting effect.

You can put mental health in that conversation, too. Mental health has been a slow burn. Coming forward to talk about problems takes time. Accepting that it is OK to come forward to talk about those problems takes time. As a result, research into the scale of the problem takes time.

That is why I am delighted to introduce the very first mental health themed edition of BDJ In Practice. I want to keep the conversation going. Things are far from perfect - too many people still leave it too long to seek help, or they do not seek help at all, with tragic consequences. Rather like LGBTQ+ rights, there is room for improvement when it comes to mental health and wellbeing, but that glass ceiling has a hole in it, and collectively we're breaking through. The issue's guest editor, Roz McMullan, has lots to do with that. As a colleague and friend, I marvel at Roz's energy and passion for raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing within dentistry, working on resources and projects - some of which you will see across the bottom of every page within the issue - and overall determination to give you, the profession, the tools to be the best versions of you, even when you're in times of struggle.

You'll find thoughts, comment and advice from a range of leading voices within the profession on mental health and wellbeing, its links with dentistry and how it impacts you. Plenty of research suggests doctors don't seek the support they need to address mental health and burnout concerns, let alone in a timely manner, which remains a collective goal to address. For anyone reading the content in this issue who can relate to any of the signs, symptoms or testimonies, you are not alone.

I hope you find the issue as thought-provoking and useful as I have. â—†