Do you see your job as something to be endured in order to pay the bills, or do you live to work and progress in your career? Cover stars Sue and Nicky are certainly in the latter category. They balance family life with their jobs and have also found the time to study for a degree and launch their own business.

Check out the article on page 20 for some essential advice if you've come over all Richard Branson...

We're not all wonder women (or supermen) but if you're reading this copy of Vital you've made a great start on the road to self-improvement (if I do say so myself!).

Everyone who has taken out a subscription to Vital CPD will be the lucky recipients of two hours' core verifiable CPD this autumn - with articles on decontamination (page 37) and complaints (page 45). Anyone can also ‘test themselves’ on the articles on pages 15 and 23 for extra general CPD too.

This issue marks the exciting launch of a new series for dental nurses which will be published as a book in 2010 - see page 23 - only Vital readers have this sneak preview!

Although it's tempting to go into hibernation mode with the dark winter months looming, take a look at our Get active article on page 53 for a new approach to staying fit and healthy. One lucky DCP will also be rewarded with a Pamper Day this winter courtesy of Beverly Hills (page 56), but only if you nominate them!

Who is your Dental Surgery Superstar?

Kate Maynard Editor vitaleditorial@nature.com