On the evening of Tuesday, 29 October, the British and Irish Dental Editors and Writers Forum held their annual presentation of the BDIA/BIDEWF New Communicators Awards, where three winners were crowned. Here, BDJ In Practice asks joint winners of the New Communicator of the Year Award, Dr Payvand Menhadji and Dr Varkha Rattu, as well as Undergraduate Communicator of the Year and student editor of BDJ Student, Yaqoub Imran, to find out what inspired their award-winning entries.

In less than 100 words, how would you summarise your paper, the findings and the implications of the findings?

PM ‘An Update on the Prevention and Treatment of Peri-Implant Diseases' reviews peri-implant diseases, especially peri-implantitis and peri-implant mucositis, summarising EFP S3-level guidelines with a strong focus on peri-implantitis. It outlines definitions, prevalence, and management through pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative strategies addressing risk factors like biofilm accumulation and inadequate hygiene. Findings suggest that these preventive and treatment measures can reduce implant loss, lower treatment costs, and improve patients' quality of life.

VR ‘The Periodontitis Enigma - Unveiling the Complex Dynamics between the Biofilm and Inflammation' explores the latest hypothesis in the aetiology and pathogenesis of periodontitis - the Inflammation-Mediated Polymicrobial Emergence and Dysbiotic Exacerbation (IMPEDE) model. It suggests that inflammation may be the primary driver transitioning gingivitis to periodontitis, potentially causing the dysbiotic biofilm seen in periodontitis. I discuss how various factors (diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, vitamin D deficiency, and stress) may contribute to periodontitis through immune-inflammatory pathways. Understanding these connections can enable a ‘personalised periodontics' approach - tailoring prevention and treatment based on trying to modulate the individual's unique immune-inflammatory response.

YI Have you ever wondered what the football transfer season and dental school have in common? No? Well, whilst I don't blame you, I have to say it's more than you think! ‘Mastering the move' was my first editorial as the BDJ Student's student editor published before the beginning of the new academic year. It explores four valuable tips that dental students can apply as they embark on the transfer of moving up a year group. The editorial is light-hearted, relatable and attempts to support students with a transition that can often be overlooked.

Where did you draw inspiration from to write your article?

PM The inspiration for writing this article came from the periodontic edition of Dental Update, where I, as a member of the BSP Early Careers Group, was invited to contribute. With a strong interest in peri-implantitis, I decided to summarise the EFP guidelines to make them accessible and practical for general practitioners.

VR I was invited by the BSDHT to write this article for Dental Health following a talk I delivered on the same topic at the Oral Health Conference 2023 in Brighton. The enthusiastic feedback and engagement from the audience after my presentation highlighted the need for deeper insights into the complex dynamics of periodontitis.

YI Simply put, it was my love for the beautiful game. As I was reading my daily dose of transfer gossip, I began to feel a sense of dread about starting the new academic year. The anxiety crept in and the shadow of imposter syndrome wasn't far behind. Whilst grappling with these emotions, I reflected on the football players donning their new club shirts on my screen and realised they must be feeling similar emotions. At the end of the day, we're all trying to navigate change.

With the above in mind, I put on my writer's cap and with the new-found inspiration of also putting myself into a footballer's pair of boots, ‘Mastering the move' was born.

What gaps in knowledge did you identify?

PM The main knowledge gap identified is the lack of consensus on peri-implantitis treatment options, making it challenging for clinicians to choose the most effective approach. This highlights the need for further research and standardised guidelines.

VR We still often see and hear professionals focusing primarily on ‘bad bacteria' as the cause of periodontitis, rather than considering the critical role of the individual's host immune-inflammatory response. While plaque is indeed a prerequisite for periodontitis, it alone is insufficient to cause the disease. This article was written to share the latest hypotheses and evidence, encouraging a shift toward a more holistic approach that recognises the complexity of periodontitis beyond the bacterial presence.

How will it help to encourage better practice in this field?

PM By summarising the EFP S3-level guidelines in an accessible format, my paper aims to support general dental practitioners in diagnosing and managing peri-implant diseases, particularly peri-implantitis. Clear guidance on prevention and treatment pathways can enhance consistency in care, improve patient outcomes, and reduce implant-related complications.

VR My hope is to support clinicians in integrating this updated perspective into patient care, promoting a more comprehensive and holistic treatment approach.

YI The goal of the editorial was to offer reassurance to students whilst also encouraging feelings of self-belief. My writing empowers readers to actively seek pillars of support in their peers and staff at dental school. This is achieved by providing students with actionable tips so that the goals described can be both attained and maintained.

What would you say to others who may not know where to start

PM I'd encourage others to start by choosing a topic they're genuinely interested in, as passion makes the research and writing process more engaging. Begin with a clear outline to structure ideas and focus on recent guidelines or research to ensure relevance. Don't hesitate to seek feedback from colleagues or mentors; their insights can be invaluable. Writing a paper is a step-by-step process, so take it one section at a time, and remember that revisions are a natural part of developing a strong final piece.

VR Find a topic you are genuinely passionate about or frequently encounter in practice. Reflect on cases or discussions where you have seen a knowledge gap or recognised the potential for broader awareness. Just take that first step - you will be surprised by how it unfolds!

YI No idea is too silly, too boring, too small, too unrealistic, or too far-fetched - every idea has the potential to spark something extraordinary if given a chance. So, give it exactly that … a chance.

Finally, what will winning this award do for you as an author?

PM Winning this award is an honour that reinforces my commitment to advancing and supporting evidence-based dentistry. It motivates me to continue contributing to research and inspires me to pursue further work those benefits both clinicians and patients.

VR Winning the BDIA/BIDEWF New Communicators Award is an incredible honour and a milestone in my journey as an author. It affirms that the insights I am sharing are valuable to the field and encourages me to continue contributing to professional knowledge that supports and advances clinical practice in dentistry.

YI Being awarded the BDIA/BIDEWF New Communicator Award for undergraduates has solidified my belief in my identity as an author. The confidence gained through this acknowledgement will push me to continue writing and pursue further opportunities to reach a wider audience. Most importantly, it has offered me a moment of reflection to be grateful for the chance to share ideas that resonate and hopefully make a positive impact on others. â—†

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