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New broom sweep well?
6th Oct 2005
There is little doubt Raman Bedi has worked hard for dentistry during a time of great change and uncertainty for the profession. It cannot be denied he played a major role in securing an increase in dental student places and has also pushed oral health into the wider public health arena – that’s before we mention his passionate work on fluoridation, which resulted in a change in the law. What an affect it will have on generations of kids in the future! I’m delighted to hear that Barry Cockcroft will be taking over the role as chief dental officer, but he understands the difficult job he has inherited and the size of the task ahead. We are on the cusp of major changes to the provision of dentistry and the profession is somewhat divorced from the government right now. This is an ideal opportunity for a wet-fingered dentist to fuse the two together again. According to many dentists the new contract seems pretty unappealing and this must be addressed urgently. Dentistry magazine would like to see the chief dental officer get back the confidence of the profession, fight for it in Whitehall, and even win some battles. I should think Raman Bedi is just as happy to be leaving the Department of Health, as others are to see him leave. Prime facie the role seemed exciting, piloting through major reforms in the modernisation of dentistry, but for many in the profession it has gone horribly wrong. Trust is gone and confidence in the Department and PCTs is low. Being positive, Barry Cockcroft is a breath of fresh air to talk to. He actually understands the issues from both sides. At least the new incumbent knows exactly what is required of him. Lets hope the proverbial new broom sweeps well. Julian English Executive Editor
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