‘Consider yourself as one’ CDO tells therapists
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- Published: Thursday, 08 October 2015 07:23
- Written by News Editor
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The distinctive roles within a dental team need to be overlooked if dentistry’s workforce is to successfully meet the oral health needs of a future population. That was the message from the new chief dental officer (CDO) for England, Sara Hurley, when she addressed delegates at the British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT) national conference in Birmingham.
Joining her predecessor, Barry Cockcroft, in delivering the event’s keynote speech, she advocated the policy of dental teams considering themselves as ‘one entity’ when tackling dental health care. She also promised to act on any ideas put forward by DCPs in order to successfully facilitate the necessary changes for future care.
Speaking after the conference, she said: ‘The conference was an outstanding success, testament to the talent and energy of an exceptional group of health care professionals. I was honoured to be present and to initiate a dialogue, which I am confident will endure and produce high value health dividends for our patients.’
BADT president, Fiona Sandom, said: ‘The fact the CDO Sara Hurley chose to address dental therapists in her first 100 days in post signifies how much she values DCPs and views us an integral part of delivering dental treatment. She spoke of the dental profession – and not of dentists and DCPs – which I thought interesting and demonstrated a mind set.’
Amanda Gallie, BADT president elect, also welcomed her address. She said: ‘It’s heartening to hear Sara Hurley acknowledge the value of DCPs and to hear that she wishes to keep in touch with us, offering to be a sounding board and conduit for our ideas and suggestions.’
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