Jason Wong has been announced as the interim chief dental officer (CDO) for England, it has been revealed.
He will hold the role on a temporary basis while recruitment is underway for a permanent replacement to Ms Sara Hurley, who stepped down as CDO last month (June 2023).
In a message to NHS teams, NHS national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, confirmed that the recruitment process will begin in the next few months.
He said: ‘I am pleased to inform you that Jason Wong will take over from Sara on an interim basis while we recruit for a permanent replacement.
‘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.’
Dr Wong has held the role of deputy chief dental officer for England since June 2020, serving alongside Ms Hurley and his fellow deputy CDO Rebecca Harris.
He was awarded a MBE for services to dentistry and oral health in the new year’s honours list 2020. A partner at the Maltings Dental practice in Grantham, Lincolnshire, he has a long history of involvement with local dental networks. His clinical interests include the treatment of anxious patients, oral surgery, and implant dentistry. He also has an interest in prevention and oral health promotion.
Changing services
Dr Wong’s predecessor, Ms Hurley, announced her intention to leave the post earlier this year after eight years in the role.
She said: ‘It has been an honour to serve patients as England’s chief dental officer and I am grateful for the support I have received from all my colleagues across the NHS, from patients, academia, clinicians, industry, and policymakers.
‘When I started, I said it was time to “put the mouth back in the body” – and together we have achieved a great deal to do just that. Although challenges remain, we are well on our way to changing services for the better.
‘Delivering for patients always has and always will be my passion and that’s exactly what I will continue to do.’
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