In her article Novice to expert (page 44), Debbie Reed says that the DCP's journey to becoming an expert in their role requires determination, tenacity, the accumulation of knowledge and the extension of competence through a rich array of experiences. Perhaps an example of such a journey being taken by a DCP is that of Mark Thurston, the cover star of this issue, who after a number of false starts, is now following a path that leads to his ultimate goal (page 22).

Claire Walmsley is at an earlier stage in her career (page 16) but already says that she relishes the fact that she is helping to improve people's smiles.

Mark Thurston: happy in the city (page 22).

Many in the dental industry are, however, feeling pressured by new regulatory requirements such as registering with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). But this needn't be an insurmountable challenge; turn to page 28 for some straightforward guidance.

This issue of Vital also features a bit of a focus on orthodontics, with the final part of the Advanced Dental Nursing series on page 31 (have you bought the book yet?) and an account of an audit carried out in a lingual orthodontics practice on page 28. Emma Boca, who works at the lingual practice, was the first dental nurse to speak at a British Lingual Orthodontic Society meeting.

What's your next move?

Kate Maynard Editor vitaleditorial@nature.com