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Hello and welcome to the second equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) themed issue of BDJ In Practice. It is my honour as Co-chair of the BDA's EDI committee to be able to speak to you on a topic that is not only important and close to my heart, but one I feel is crucial to the success of the Association and the wider profession.

Numerous studies have shown employers and businesses adopting strong EDI policies and are visible in their efforts to tackle issues pertinent to society - climate change and sustainability. Equality, diversity and inclusion is very much a topic for all of us; David's articles about being a socially conscious generation and being an ally speak volumes about the role those who have not experienced the barriers can do for those who have experienced them.1,2 Lived experiences help to shape us as individuals. I, as a special care dentist, am fully aware that generations of young adults and children fleeing wars will undoubtedly experience some degree of PTSD, and our workforce will need to adapt to meet those challenges as they present in the immediate and long-term future. Just like in special care dentistry - a sense of community can make a big difference.

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And this point is crucial, and one I am delighted to see run as a theme throughout the issue; everyone has a role in improving matters relating to equality, diversity and inclusion. From employers setting practice policies, employees being allies, patients understanding and embracing changes through to policy makers seeing gaps in thinking and planning and taking action to remedy those. These aids can help individuals and therefore their practices/organisations to flourish - isn't that what we all want?

As co-chair of the EDI committee alongside Lauren Harrhy, I have seen firsthand the impact positive change can make. I am encouraged by the forward-thinking initiatives I have seen both within the committee and the wider profession. Each committee has diverse representation that reflects its particular workforce, we have programmes of ongoing training designed to educate and reinforce messages, many of which you can also find in this issue. And yet, for all the progress that has been made, there is still so much more to do, and crucially so much more we can do. Change takes time, especially on a sensitive topic. Matters of EDI require critical and often self-critical reflection, and that process is never a straight-forward one to begin.

Challenging narratives - Ella Buckland's article on the gender pay gap3 is equal parts enlightening, revealing and educational, and yet the data presented probably does not come as a surprise. The same applies to Claire Nightingale's article discussing her first-hand experience of sexism in the profession.4 It is a challenging read, but change does not come easily.

There are challenges ahead. I will use the opportunity as co-chair to advance and advocate for change. This themed issue is not an end point, nor should it be a starting point - it is part of a journey. It reassures me that fellow committee members have the same appetite and determination to make this a reality. Together, we are stronger. â—†