Jason Wong to be Interim Chief Dental Officer
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- Published: Thursday, 29 June 2023 07:50
- Written by Peter Ingle
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It is just over a month since the outgoing CDO officially announced their departure to spend more time with her directorships. Despite having told NHS National Medical Director - Sir Stephen Powis, of her intention last year, it may be a while before we know who her permanent replacement will be.
Sir Stephen has now, via the periodic NHS Dentistry and Oral Health update announced that Jason Wong will be taking over on an interim basis. This will be while a permanent replacement is recruited.
Jason has been Deputy CDO England since 2020. Qualifying in 1995 he joined the Maltings Dental Practice in Grantham, a long established progressive practice with a history of innovation. He became a partner in 1998. He continues to practice part time and has particular clinical interests in implantology, and treating anxious patients. He is also an enthusiastic proponent of maximising the benefits of skill mix, and works with a large team including trainee nurses, registered nurses with additional interests and certifications, and specialist dentists, as well as large pool of associates. At present the practice website shows only one therapist, working under section 36c of the dentists act.
Unlike his predecessor, Jason has been a significant contributor to GDPUK having contributed no less than 1579 times.
This is not the first time that he has stood in for the CDO, having replaced her at short notice to address the recent National Association of Dental Advisers Conference.
Looking ahead, Sir Stephen wrote that future issues of the bulletin would contain “further detail and information on how to apply.” This suggests that little urgency is being attached to finding a new permanent CDO. According to Sir Stephen it is a post: “Representing the entire dental profession across England, the role of the Chief Dental Officer is a joint appointment between Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, with their base in NHS England.”
He goes on to add that: “Dentistry is an important part of the NHS, and I am pleased we are now starting to see the signs of recovery. But challenges remain, and this reinforces the need continue changing the way we deliver dentistry. I look forward to working with Sara’s successor to drive forward further reforms to improve the service for patients.”
It may be a thankless task but there is likely to be a good deal of support from those delivering NHS dental care, for a practicing dentist such as Jason, being CDO, rather than a semi-detached dental public health sage.
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