Dr Jason Wong has been announced as the interim chief dental officer (CDO) for England, UK and he will hold the role on a temporary basis while recruitment is underway for a permanent replacement to Sara Hurley, who stepped down as CDO in June 2023.
In a message to NHS teams, national medical director Prof 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 dental profession across England, the role of the CDO is a joint appointment between the department of health and social care and NHS England, with their base in NHS England.”
Dr Wong has held the role of deputy CDO for England since June 2020, serving alongside Hurley and his deputy CDO Rebecca Harris.
He was awarded a Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to dentistry and oral health in new year’s honours list 2020. A partner at the Maltings Dental practice in Grantham, Lincolnshire, he was involved 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.
Dr Wong’s predecessor, Hurley, announced her intention to leave the post earlier this year after eight years in the role. “I am grateful for the support I have received from all my colleagues across the NHS, from patients, academia, clinicians, industry, and policymakers,” she said.
