Following an open recruitment process, NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care has announced Jason Wong's appointment as chief dental officer for England.

Jason has been in the chief dental officer role on an interim basis since June 2023 whilst NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care recruited for the permanent role. Prior to this, Jason held the role of deputy chief dental officer for England since June 2020.

Awarded an MBE for services to dentistry and oral health in 2020, Jason has previously chaired local dental networks across parts of the Midlands and the East of England and was also secretary of Lincolnshire Local Dental committee for 16 years.

As the national professional lead for oral health strategy and dental care in England, Jason will work in partnership with local and regional teams across the country to deliver improved outcomes for patients. Whilst retaining a day in clinical practice, he will provide system-wide professional and clinical leadership by setting the strategic vision for England’s oral health and a system-wide approach to further improve NHS dental and oral health services.

Jason said, “I’m very proud to be appointed to the role of chief dental officer for England. It’s a challenging time for NHS dentistry and I know there is more to do to recover and improve services for patients.

“I look forward to working with colleagues across the system to support them to recover and improve, and to lead the transformation of NHS dental services.”

The chief dental officer represents the entire dental profession across England. It is a joint appointment between the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, with its base in NHS England.

Jason takes over from Sara Hurley who stepped down from the chief dental officer role in June 2023.

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