Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust Consultant Becomes President of National Paediatric Dentistry Society | News

Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust is celebrating the appointment of one of its senior clinicians to a prestigious national leadership role.

Dr Rachael Nichol, Clinical Lead and Consultant Paediatric Dentist for the Trust’s Community Dental Service, has been named the new President of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD), the UK's professional body dedicated to improving the oral health of children and young people.

Dr Nichol officially took up the role at BSPD’s National Study Day in York, succeeding Dr Oosh Devalia OBE as President. During her presidential year, she will focus on three key priorities: strengthening the paediatric dentistry workforce, championing the vital role of Community Dental Services, and embedding oral health within neighbourhood health services.

The appointment recognises Dr Nichol’s longstanding commitment to improving children's oral health and her extensive experience working within Community Dental Services.

Dr Nichol said: “It is a huge honour to become President of BSPD. Throughout my career I have been passionate about making a positive difference to children and their families through specialist dental care.

“My presidential year will focus on understanding where children can access specialist dental services, strengthening our workforce, highlighting the importance of Community Dental Services and helping to find practical solutions that reduce inequalities and improve care for children across the UK.”

Brent Kilmurray, Chief Executive, Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, said: “I would like to congratulate Dr Nichol on her appointment, recognising the significant contribution she has made locally and nationally to paediatric dentistry and children's oral health. Her presidency places Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust at the forefront of national conversations about how specialist dental services can best support children, young people and families across the UK.”

Dr Nichol’s connection with Community Dental Services has shaped her career. Her specialist training combined experience in both a Community Dental Service and a dental hospital, giving her a unique perspective on children's dental care and the challenges faced by services across the country.

She added: “The Community Dental Service remains one of the most rewarding environments in which to care for children and train future specialists. I want to ensure its expertise and contribution are recognised, valued and strengthened.”

As BSPD President, Dr Nichol will also champion efforts to improve access to paediatric dental care, reduce waiting times and strengthen pathways into specialist services. A major focus will be ensuring oral health is embedded within wider neighbourhood health and prevention programmes, helping to tackle health inequalities and improve outcomes for children.