Whether you work in the Dentistry Profession in the UK or are a member of the public, you may well like to know who is the NHS Chief Dental Officer, and a little more about him!
Mr.Barry Cockcroft is the Chief Dental Officer for England. In the past held the posts of Acting Chief Dental Officer and Deputy Chief Dental Officer, having joined the Department of Health in November 2002. Before this he worked for 27 years in NHS general practice. So he has a real pedigree and experience in his field.

The position of Chief Dental Officer, as it states, means that in the role you are the Industry’s top man. You are the most senior dental advisor to the Government. Having said that you can’t blame the role on the Government’s failings in the NHS sector at the moment. The NHS know what they want, whether the Government helps or does as it says, is another matter.

Barry qualified from Birmingham Dental School in 1973. Before he was apointed as DCDO he served on the Warwickshire Local Dental Committee as Chairman and Secretary. He was Chairman of the West Midlands Association of LDCs, and was elected to the General Dental Services Committee (GDSC) of the British Dental Association in 1990. Barry also served on many subcommittees and working groups of the GDSC before being elected Vice-Chairman in 2000.

Away from dental politics, Barry was the clinical lead in developing and running a first wave personal dental service in Rugby which was based on capitation as a method of remuneration in NHS general practice.
Mr.Cockroft is marrried with 3 children.