May has already seen me at two important dental events: the Robin Davies DCP Research Awards; and the launch of National Smile Month. The first was held at its usual stunning venue overlooking the Thames, with attendees looking resplendent in their colourful outfits in the warm sunshine. It is fitting that the second event was ‘filled' with smiles too, that is once we had made it past the thronging tourists outside, queuing to have their photo taken by a red London phone box or with Big Ben in the background.

BDJ Team fully supports and showcases research conducted by dental care professionals (DCPs) and DCP students, so it is really helpful to me to attend events where such individuals are celebrated. Many former Robin Davies DCP Research award winners have published in BDJ Team, and I look forward to sharing more details about this year's winners in next month's issue, and hopefully sharing some of their work in due course.

As I am sure all our readers will know, National Smile Month takes place every year between May and June. Now in its 49th year, National Smile Month aims to unite the dental profession, community partners, and sponsors in promoting better oral health for all. This year's theme, Feed Your Smile, shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked connection between diet and oral health. To find out more and to get your practice involved, visit www.smilemonth.org, which has some really helpful downloads that you can use and print out too. An oral health education themed issue of BDJ Team is also in the works.

In support of good oral health, in this issue Timothy Ives explores the continuing debate over water fluoridation, both nationally and beyond - an issue that is often in the headlines.

Shaun Dolby looks at the evolving role of dental nurses with additional skills in the OMFS department. Manas Dave examines the clinical implications of cocaine use in dentistry; and our latest medical emergencies article looks at treating major bleeding and shock. Becki Martin and Avril Ware share their career stories, and Rochelle Fisher reflects on ‘a tale of two dental worlds'.

As this issue of BDJ Team goes live, many of us will be heading to Birmingham for BDCDS. Pop down to stand N40 for a chat and to find out more about the BDJ Portfolio.

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Kate Quinlan

Editor

k.quinlan@nature.com