University dental project shortlisted for national NHS award

The big picture: The University of Suffolk Dental Community Interest Company (CIC) has won the East of England regional NHS Parliamentary Award and is now shortlisted for the Excellence in Primary Care and Community Care category in the national finals.

The NHS Parliamentary Awards, created in 2018, celebrate outstanding health and care sector contributions. This year, 318 MPs across England submitted 918 nominations.

Why it matters: The project aims to provide NHS dental treatment to those most in need in Suffolk and North East Essex, addressing the critical issue of access to dental healthcare in the town.

How it works:

• Patients call NHS 111 for triage

• The CIC provides high-quality dental care and supports workforce training

• It's commissioned by Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB)

What they're saying:

Lorraine Mattis, Chief Executive of the University of Suffolk Dental CIC: "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."

Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor at the University: "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."

Ed Garratt OBE, Chief Executive, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB: "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."

What's next: The national NHS Parliamentary Awards will be held on Monday, 14 October. Notable figures from the health and social care sector will judge the awards.

The bottom line: This recognition highlights the potential of innovative collaborations between universities and healthcare providers to address pressing community health needs.