The heavy focus on learning in this issue of Vital is almost a little OTT, if I say so myself … but it's actually just a coincidence! Ann Clark approached me with her enterprising tale of seeing a gap in the market and starting her own business (cover story); Ann teaches essential medical emergencies training to dental professionals across South East England. New Zealand dental hygienist Anne Fuller refers to learning as her ‘lifetime hobby’; Michael R. Young talks about embracing lifelong learning; Angelina Holman graduated top of her class and Mark James is helping others to learn in his capacity as a mentor … phew! It sounds like a lot of homework.

As this issue of Vital goes to press, Mouth Cancer Action Month is just beginning (November). Dedicated to raising awareness of mouth cancer among the general public, this is the ideal time for the first part of Linda Douglas' verifiable CPD article Making oral cancer screening a routine part of your patient care. The British Dental Health Foundation is calling on health professionals to educate the general public about a disease that kills more people in the UK than testicular and cervical cancer combined. For information and resources visit www.mouthcancer.org.

In the meantime we are of course winding down our busy schedules and preparing for a bit of light relief, whether it's putting our feet up by the fire, letting our hair down at the Christmas party or indeed a round of ‘Secret Santa’ with colleagues. Read Stephen Hancocks' guide to acceptable presents on page 56!

See you in 2012!

Kate Maynard Editor vitaleditorial@nature.com