Denplan, part of Simplyhealth, has appointed Dr Matthew Nolan to the newly created role of head dental officer.
Nolan (pictured) is principal dentist at Merivale Dental Practice and has been a practising Denplan dentist for more than 25 years, as well as a Denplan practice adviser for the South East since 2020.
As head dental officer, Denplan said he will play a pivotal role in supporting and advocating for its network of more than 6,600 member dentists, championing clinical excellence, and delivering its strategic vision for a sustainable future for dentistry.
Nolan graduated from Bristol University in 1999, gained his Master’s degree in Advanced General Dental Practice in 2016 from the University of Birmingham, and was admitted as a Fellow of the College of General Dentistry in 2023.
He is also an honorary clinical lecturer at King’s College London, where he has contributed to research exploring the link between psychology and oral health and has been published in risk communication and prevention studies.
He will continue to practice dentistry part time following his appointment.
Paul Schreier, chief executive officer at Simplyhealth and Denplan, said: “Matthew’s dental experience, and longstanding connection to the company, first as a member dentist, and then as a Denplan practice adviser, makes him perfectly placed to lead our clinical team and champion dental excellence.
“As a key voice of our Denplan members, Matthew will play an important role in driving our work to secure a sustainable future for dentistry and improve access to healthcare for all in the UK.”
Nolan added: “I’m excited to be joining Denplan as head dental officer.
“Having been involved with Denplan throughout my career, I’ve seen first-hand the many ways in which the company supports dentists and dental professionals.
“I’m joining Denplan at a critical time for the dental industry. There are increasing national challenges to dental access, and a corresponding increase in Parliamentary interest in oral health policy, making it all the more important for Denplan to advocate for its members. I’m looking forward to taking on that challenge with my colleagues.”
