Dr Rachael England appointed Head of Policy and Advocacy

The Oral Health Foundation has announced the appointment of Dr Rachael England as its new Head of Policy and Advocacy.

Dr England brings extensive experience in public health, advocacy, and strategic communications, having spent the last six years at FDI World Dental Federation in Geneva. There, she led global campaigns, developed national policies on sugar reduction, and worked with governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and international health organisations to influence policy and drive forward action on oral health.

Her career has spanned roles in research, clinical practice, and management, alongside founding and leading community health projects such as Maasai Molar, a charity integrating oral health into primary healthcare in Kenya. She is a Fellow of the College of General Dentistry and holds a Doctorate in Public Health.

In her new role, Dr England will shape the Oral Health Foundation's policy positions, lead advocacy strategies, and work with stakeholders across government, healthcare, and industry to reduce oral health inequalities. Policy and advocacy will be one of the charity's key areas of work in its new ‘Strategy to 2030'. She will also play a central role in advancing the charity's campaigns, including National Smile Month and Mouth Cancer Action Month.

Dr England said: ‘I am honoured to be joining the Oral Health Foundation. The organisation has a proud history of championing better oral health, and I look forward to building on this legacy by developing evidence-based policy and forging partnerships that can deliver meaningful, long-term change.'

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, welcomed the appointment: ‘We are thrilled to have Rachael on board. Her global experience, expertise in advocacy, and proven ability to influence public health agendas will be invaluable as we continue our work to improve oral health and reduce inequalities.'

Rachael wrote on oral health inequalities in BDJ Team's special issue in September: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41407-025-3101-0.