DCP’s Appointed As New College Ambassadors
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- Published: Tuesday, 16 March 2021 08:17
- Written by Chris Tapper
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The newly launched College of General Dentistry (CGDent) has appointed two dental care professionals as Ambassadors.
Dr Louise Bellfield is a dental nurse, research scientist and a lecturer. Dr Marina Harris is a former RAF dental nurse who later trained as a dental hygienist.
CGDent said in a press release that the new Ambassadors “Reflect commitment to the team.” It said “Ambassadors drawn from different backgrounds, provide strong advocacy for the mission and vision of the College.”
The College plans on appointing more new Ambassadors in the coming months, before its formal launch.
Honorary Founding President of the College Professor Nairn Wilson CBE, said “I am delighted that Drs Belfield and Harris have agreed to become the latest additions to the College’s growing team of influential Ambassadors. Collectively, the College Ambassadors have a huge range of highly relevant expertise and knowledge, with opportunity to greatly increase awareness of the importance of the College and engagement in its further development.”
"The College looks forward to working with Drs Belfield and Harris in realising the College goals of new leadership and support for all dental healthcare professionals and excellence in oral healthcare provision.”
Dr Belfield is a Dental Clinical Fellow of Health Education England, and a Trustee of the National Examination Board for Dental Nurses.
After qualifying as a dental nurse in 2001, Dr Belfield worked in a range of dental specialities and in the community and general dental practices in Devon. While working as a locum dental nurse, she gained an honours BSc degree in Human Biosciences in 2004 and achieved a doctorate in immunology in 2013. She also holds a post-graduate certificate in clinical education.
Louise was awarded Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy in 2019 in recognition of her continued contributions to dental education.
Louise is active in research, which focuses on both the scientific and educational elements required for excellence in evidence informed teaching. In 2017 she co-founded the Oral Microbiome Research Group, as part of which she pursues her specialist interest in how oral bacteria modulate the function of the immune system and can drive oral and systemic diseases such as chronic periodontitis, oral cancer, and hypertension.
Dr Belfield said on her appointment “It is a privilege to become an Ambassador for the College of General Dentistry at a time when teamwork and collegiality are being recognised as paramount in high quality patient care.”
“The College is leading by example in these areas, embodying the true spirit of ‘the dental team.’ Each team member is recognised and held in high esteem, irrespective of title, education, or background, and I am excited to see new opportunities emerging for all of us.”
“The College’s initiatives show that dental professionals can achieve their fullest ambitions precisely because of our different roles, not in spite of them, and I am proud to be a part of this inspiring organisation: It is only through working together that we can determine the future of our profession with a united voice.”
Dr Harris has been involved in dentistry for over forty years. She trained as a dental nurse and then a dental hygienist in the Royal Air Force. After her military service, she worked in a wide variety of primary care settings in the UK.
Alongside her professional qualifications, Marina has an Honours degree from the Open University, a Masters degree from Cardiff Law School, and a Doctorate from the University of Portsmouth.
Maria has been a senior Lecturer since 2002 and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
In addition to her role within undergraduate education of Dental Hygienists and Therapists, she has also played an active role in furthering the education to widen the scope of Dental Nurses and Dental Technicians.
Dr Harris is a Past-President of the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy. She said
“I am honoured to accept the invitation to be an Ambassador for the College of General Dentistry. This is a real opportunity for all members of our great profession to be united as one in the quest to elevate the standing of general dentistry for the good of all.”
The College of General Dentistry is the first independent college for primary care dentistry in the UK. CG(Dent) will be formally launched on 1st July, when the FGDP(UK) will be transferred into the College
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