Dental Community Interest Company Highly Commended at NHS Parliamentary Awards

The University of Suffolk Dental Community Interest Company (CIC) has been highly commended at the NHS Parliamentary Awards this week, having been shortlisted for the national finals in the Excellence in Primary Care and Community Care category.

The recognition highlights the Dental CIC's commitment to providing essential NHS dental services to people in Suffolk and North East Essex. 

The NHS Parliamentary Awards, established in 2018, celebrate the remarkable contributions of staff and volunteers in the health and care sector.

This year, 318 MPs nominated a total of 918 teams and individuals, showcasing the dedication and achievements of healthcare professionals across the nation. 

Commissioned by the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB), the University of Suffolk Dental CIC delivers high-quality NHS dental care, while also focusing on training and education for the dental workforce.

The innovative model allows patients to access care through a range of referral routes, including NHS 111, where their cases are triaged for appropriate treatment. 

In addition to the Dental CIC, the University also launched its new BSc Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy course at its state-of-the-art Centre for Dental Development in February, which has seen a significant demand for places. Students on the course will also be able to carry out placements at the University of Suffolk Dental CIC.

Lorraine Mattis, Chief Executive of the University of Suffolk Dental CIC, said: “We are honoured to receive this commendation and be recognised at the national level for our work in primary care and community care. This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team, who are committed to making a meaningful difference in our community.” 

Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor of the University, added: “It is gratifying to see the University of Suffolk Dental CIC acknowledged for its vital role in enhancing NHS dental provision in our region. Our commitment to improving access to oral healthcare is unwavering, and I am proud to support the development of future dental professionals.” 

Ed Garratt OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB, said: “Congratulations to the University of Suffolk Dental CIC. This groundbreaking model not only benefits our communities but also serves as a potential blueprint for wider implementation. This is the first time a dental project has been recognised in the NHS Parliamentary Awards.

“It is a commissioning model that ensures there is also a dental workforce in training behind those already caring for patients which will, in time, create a sustainable NHS dental service in the area.” 

Divyash Patel, Clinical Policy Lead, Office for Chief Dental Officer (OCDO) said: “The recognition of dentistry at the NHS Parliamentary awards reflects the OCDO commitment to excellence in oral health”.

For patients seeking NHS oral health care with the University of Suffolk Dental CIC, please visit the website here.

To find out more about the University’s BSc Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy course, visit the course page here.