University of Suffolk Dental CIC Shortlisted for NHS Parliamentary National Award

An innovative collaboration providing NHS dental treatment to those in the greatest need of oral healthcare in Suffolk and North East Essex has won an East of England regional award in the NHS Parliamentary Awards 2024, and been shortlisted for the national finals.

The NHS Parliamentary Awards were created in 2018 to celebrate and recognise the outstanding contribution of staff, volunteers and others working in the health and care sector. In the first stage of the awards, MPs nominate healthcare teams and individuals in their local area to highlight their exceptional commitment and achievements working in and with the NHS. This year, 318 MPs across England put forward a total of 918 nominations.

The University of Suffolk Dental Community Interest Company (CIC), commissioned by Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) earlier this year, provides high-quality NHS dental and oral health care services in the area, and supports dental workforce training and education.

Patients call NHS 111 where their case is triaged.

This unique model of oral healthcare provision was today announced on the shortlist for the NHS Parliamentary national awards in the Excellence in Primary Care and Community Care category.

Lorraine Mattis, Chief Executive of the University of Suffolk Dental CIC said: “We are so honoured to receive the East of England regional award and be shortlisted for the national NHS Parliamentary Award for Excellence in Primary Care and Community Care. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team at University of Suffolk Dental CIC. 

“Our mission has always been to provide outstanding care and make a meaningful difference in our community. This award inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence in primary care.”

In addition to the University of Suffolk 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.

Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor at the University said: “It is an honour to see the University of Suffolk Dental CIC, commissioned by Suffolk and North East Essex ICB, recognised for its work in bolstering the greatly needed NHS dental provision in our region.

“The work of the University of Suffolk Dental CIC is an important response to the issue of access to oral healthcare, and our commitment to working with local practices and the NHS to deliver the best possible dental care. I am delighted to continue the leadership shown by my predecessor, Professor Helen Langton, in supporting the development of the future dental workforce.”

Ed Garratt OBE, Chief Executive, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB, said: “I’d like to congratulate the University of Suffolk for the innovative way in which it is delivering oral healthcare via the Dental CIC.

“Our community is already benefitting from this groundbreaking model of healthcare provision and it provides a blueprint to be considered nationally.”

The regional award winners will go forward to the national NHS Parliamentary Awards, which will be held on Monday 14 October and are judged by a panel of notable figures across the health and social care sector

To access NHS oral health care with the University of Suffolk Dental CIC, patients are required to call NHS 111 where they will be triaged.  There is more information via the website here.

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