Senior College representatives were among dental leaders recently addressed by the Minister of State for Health and Social Care, Stephen Kinnock MP.
College representatives at the Dentistry APPG event: (l-r) Charlotte Jeavons FCGDent, Bill Sharpling FCGDent, Roshni Karia MCGDent and Avi Banerjee FCGDent
Speaking on 9 December 2025 ahead of the government’s announcement of reforms to the NHS dental contract in England, the minister, whose remit includes dentistry, recognised the pressures the sector faces, including workforce challenges and patient access. He also acknowledged the need for a more coherent, long-term approach which makes better use of the whole oral health team, alongside prevention and realistic planning, rather than relying on quick fixes.
College attendees included Dr Roshni Karia MCGDent (College President), Professor Avijit Banerjee FCGDent (Chair of the Faculty of Dentists), Bill Sharpling FCGDent (Chair of the Faculty of Clinical Dental Technology & Dental Technology) and Dr Charlotte Jeavons FCGDent (Member of the College Council). College Fellow Dr Jason Wong MBE also attended in his capacity as Chief Dental Officer, England.
The event was hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Dentistry and Oral Health and was organised by the British Dental Association (BDA). Other speakers included MPs Yasmin Qureshi and Mary Kelly Foy, both Co-Chairs of the APPG, and Eddie Crouch (BDA Chair).
