Barry Cockcroft named interim Chair of the British Fluoridation Society
NewsPosted by: Dental Design 26th April 2021
The current Chairman of the British Fluoridation Society (BFS), Steve Bedser, is standing down after leading the organisation for five years. Dr Barry Cockcroft CBE, who was elected to the BFS Executive in 2020, has agreed to take over from Steve in an interim capacity until a formal election can take place at the BFS AGM later this year.
Steve’s contribution to the BFS has been significant. When the Health and Social Care Act of 2012 came into being, public health became the responsibility of local authorities. Steve, who was on Birmingham City Council’s Health and Wellbeing Board at the time, understood the role of water fluoridation in reducing oral health inequalities. Birmingham had been the first City in the UK to have its water supply fluoridated and inspired the formation of the BFS with its mission to drive up targeted water fluoridation schemes across the UK. Steve wanted to be part of that work and joined BFS before being elected as Chair soon afterwards.
The White Paper announced in February of this year, paving the way for new legislation, signalled that the Government plans to take back control of water fluoridation schemes.
Dr Cockcroft, the former Chief Dental Officer for England, who joined BFS in 2006, commented: “The BFS is delighted the Government has accepted that targeted water fluoridation is the most cost effective way to reduce the unacceptable inequalities in oral health and by the unequivocal support of Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock.
“We will now be working to support the Government when it proposes new schemes and will also be watching the passage of legislation through the Parliamentary process to ensure that it delivers what we all want. I am delighted to be taking on the Chairman’s role at this critical time.”
After paying tribute to Steve Bedser for his work on behalf of BFS, Dr Cockcroft added, “No announcement at this time would be complete without mentioning the late Mike Lennon, who passed away on April 9. As Chairman of BFS for 20 years he did so much to make the Society an internationally respected authority on water fluoridation. Plans are being developed to celebrate his achievements. I am stepping into very big shoes.”
No Comments
No comments yet.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
