Here we are at the first issue of Vital for 2006 and we are squarely focused on registration of the dental team. This is a big year for dental nurses and technicians in particular, but for the dental team as a whole. Although dental therapists and hygienists have been registered with the GDC for years now, the fact that dental nurses and technicians and two new categories of DCP are being registered recognises a new dawn for the dental team where the professionals involved in dental care are now being recognised as a team of professionals. The only way is up.

Are you ready for registration? Our Perspectives topic in this issue asks just that – find out what your colleagues say about how ready they are for the GDC.

In recognition of this being an historic year in the world of dental nursing, we speak to Pam Swain, Chief Exec. of the BADN to find out her thoughts as the big event draws ever nearer. How does she think the approach to registration has been handled? What does she think the world of dental nursing will look like once we are all registered professionals?

One of things that will change eventually, if not immediately, is the introduction of CPD. Vital finds out what CPD is and what it might mean to you, the dental professional, in years to come. We are also introducing a new series. ‘The Vital Guide to...’ series introduces the terms and concepts of specialist areas of dentistry, so that even if you don't do it as part of your job, you have a working understanding of the terminology. The series is launched with an article on endodontics, explaining all the things you were afraid to ask! This is a particularly special series because it also marks the introduction of CPD questions into Vital. Read the article carefully and answer the questions at the end, you might win yourself a prize!

Registration brings responsibility, and part of that encompasses your responsibility to the patient, that everyone in the dental team is behaving appropriately and effectively. Whistleblowing is one of the less pleasant sides to registration and Julie Ferry investigates the minefield so that Vital readers can tackle problems like this sensitively.

As we get more used to the dental team being referred to as ‘DCPs’ and we begin to realise the extent of who that term encompasses, Vital covers the work of people in more and more interesting roles. In this issue I spoke to two tutors who are training the DCPs of the future; Day in the Life of a DCP Tutor may open your eyes as to what this job really entails.

I hope you enjoy this issue; it has been a pleasure to compile, but if you feel that we are missing things out that you want to read about – let us know. Email or write to me and we will write the articles that you want to read. The summer issue is already under way and is promising to be another good read.

Happy registering!