Stephen Hancocks, Editor-in-Chief of the British Dental Journal, joins the podcast to discuss his successful dental career, writing for TV and radio, and being appointed OBE. They explore the publications offered by the British Dental Association and reflect on receiving an OBE. They also discuss the process of creating a platform and starting to write, and the power of advertising in changing attitudes towards oral health.
The speaker played an instrumental role in challenging the stigma and overreaction faced by dentists diagnosed with HIV, advocating for a more positive treatment of healthcare workers with bloodborne infections.
The speaker highlights the importance of clarifying motivations, understanding the target audience, and aligning with the publication's focus when aspiring to be a successful writer or researcher in the dental field.
Deep dives
Motivation to Make a Positive Difference
The speaker's motivation comes from the desire to make a positive difference in the world. They aim to inspire, help people, and bring laughter and enjoyment to life. This motivation drives their involvement in various projects and initiatives.
Initiating the Debate on Healthcare Worker Conditions
The speaker is proud of their role in initiating a debate about the treatment of healthcare workers with bloodborne infections, particularly HIV. They challenged the overreaction and stigma faced by dentists diagnosed with HIV and helped bring about positive changes in how healthcare workers are regarded in relation to bloodborne conditions.
Advice for Aspiring Writers and Researchers
The speaker advises aspiring writers and researchers to clarify their motivations for writing and understand who their target audience is. They emphasize the importance of studying the requirements of the publication or platform they wish to contribute to and suggest reading instructions to authors carefully. Being well-informed and aligned with the publication's focus increases the chances of a successful submission.
Message for Dentistry: Eat Less Sugar, Less Often
If the speaker could have a billboard in Piccadilly Circus for dentistry, their message would be to eat less sugar, less often. They believe that reducing sugar consumption is crucial for oral health and that it is a key factor in many dental problems. This message reflects the speaker's commitment to promoting oral health and preventing dental issues caused by excessive sugar consumption.
To kick off Series 4 of The Eastman Dental Podcast, we are joined by the Editor-in-Chief of the British Dental Journal, Stephen Hancocks. He is a dentist, writer and editor, and also owns his own publishing business. Stephen discusses his successful and varied dental career starting out as a teenager dental nursing to working as a dentist whilst writing for the BBC, and being appointed OBE in 1997 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services to the dental profession. This is an episode you won't want to miss!
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode