
Dentist and clinical lecturer Rakhee Patel will take up the post of deputy chief dental officer (CDO) for England.
She will work alongside CDO for England Jason Wong and Nick Barker, who is also acting as a deputy CDO.
Rakhee Patel is a senior clinical lecturer and honorary consultant at King’s College London. She is also dental clinical lead for North Central London Integrated Care Board. Her previous roles have included consultant in dental public health for NHS England in London and general, community and hospital dentistry.
Clinically, Rakhee has specialised in gerodontology and domiciliary care. In 2023 she was awarded a PhD in health services research, undertaking one of the first dental clinical trials for care home residents.
Representatives of the dental profession have offered congratulations to Rakhee as she takes on the new role.
What is the role of a deputy CDO?
The Office of the Chief Dental Officer represents the head of the dental profession in England. It provides professional and clinical leadership by determining a strategy for England’s oral health.
NHS England said the Office of the Chief Dental Officer was driving change in the provision of dental care through four initiatives. These are:
- Dental contract reform
- Local dental networks
- Clinical leadership
- Patient safety.
Jason Wong was appointed as CDO for England in 2024 following a term as interim CDO. He took over from Sara Hurley, who held the position for eight years before stepping down in June 2023.
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