Efforts to combat the dental desert in Suffolk have been recognised by members of parliament.

Those in greatest need of oral healthcare in our county can now access NHS treatment, thanks to a project led by the University of Suffolk.

The University of Suffolk Dental Community Interest Company (CIC) was commissioned earlier this year by the Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB).

The project provides high-quality NHS dental and oral healthcare services in the area and supports dental workforce training and education.

Patients can call NHS 111, where their call will be triaged.

Lorraine Mattis, is the Chief Executive of the University of Suffolk Dental CIC. Lorraine Mattis, is the Chief Executive of the University of Suffolk Dental CIC. (Image: University of Suffolk Dental CIC) Ed Garratt OBE is the Chief Executive, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICBEd Garratt OBE is the Chief Executive, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB (Image: Suffolk and North East Essex ICB)

This is a unique way of delivering oral healthcare, which was recognised on Thursday.

The project has won East of England regional award  and has been shortlisted for the national finals for the NHS Parliamentary Award.

These awards were created in 2018 to 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. This year, 318 MPs across England put forward a total of 918 nominations.

The project has been shortlisted in the Excellence in Primary Care and Community Care category.

Patients can call NHS 111, where their call will be triaged.Patients can call NHS 111, where their call will be triaged. (Image: University of Suffolk)

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.

“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.”

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 ground-breaking model of healthcare provision and it provides a blueprint to be considered nationally.”