Sara Hurley, the Chief Dental Officer for England, to stand down

From the May NHS dentistry and oral health update from CDO Sara Hurley:

At the end of last year I informed the NHS' National Medical Director, Professor Stephen Powis, that this year would be my last as Chief Dental Officer England. As I have said, this year is a year of transition, and I can confirm to you that I will leave my post at the end of June. 

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.

Starting Well, Dental Check by 1, Advancing Dental Care, Mouthcare Matters and more have all underpinned the case for reform and preventative measures in NHS dental services. Now, we have a renewed dental system reform programme that is already making the much-needed changes our profession has long called for.

Although challenges remain, we are well on our way to changing services for the better. The task now is to continue to reform the contract, prioritise those most in need and drive forward prevention as an integral offer to NHS patients.

I will never forget the pandemic and the immense impact it had on all of us in the dental sector; clinicians, technicians, industry and our patients. It wasn't easy but we are on our way to recovery. This is down to your commitment to patients and the hard work of each and every member of the dental teams.

I am proud to be a dentist and I am proud of our profession. Delivering for patients always has and always will be my passion and that's exactly what I will continue to do at local level.

Professor Stephen Powis will update you shortly on the arrangements for recruiting the next Chief Dental Officer England.

In this issue, you will find links to the three clinical standards published on Monday 22 May, that are designed to support the clinician and commissioners within Integrated Care Systems. We have also included updates from the Government and NHSE that will help your understanding of the emerging policies and management of nitrous oxide, primarily its use and controls in a clinical environment."

May NHS dentistry and oral health update