Opportunity: Join our Dental Policy Co-development Group
CLAPA are looking for volunteers to join our new Dental Policy Co-development Group.
Earlier this year, CLAPA conducted an Access to Dental Care survey (Feb–June 2025). We asked those with a strong personal connection to cleft to share their experiences with us on dental care.
Results from the survey demonstrated significant barriers faced by the cleft community when trying to access dental care.
Based on this evidence, CLAPA is establishing a Dental Policy Working Group to co-develop practical solutions to these issues. We are looking for volunteers in the cleft community to join this group and offer their experiences and knowledge to support us in our campaign to improve cleft dental care. The group will meet on Monday 4th and 11th August, 7.30pm on Zoom.
What to expect:
Within the group, we will discuss topics such as:
- What are the key barriers to dental care for people affected by cleft?
- What improvements are needed in:
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- Training and awareness for dental professionals
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- NHS commissioning and funding of dental services
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- The NHS dental contract and its operation
- What asks and questions should CLAPA put to NHS bodies and policymakers?
- What outcomes should CLAPA seek for cleft-affected individuals in dental care?
- What would an equitable dental care look like?
Who are we looking for?
- You are aged 18+
- You are closely connected to cleft (Adult born with a cleft, parent/carer/other relative of a child born with a cleft)
- You are able to join our online meetings on Monday 4th and Monday 11th of August at 7:30pm (Zoom)
