Denplan, part of Simplyhealth, has invited a group of nine young Denplan member dentists (under the age of 35) to join a new Next Gen Dental Group.

Over the course of the 12-month programme, Denplan will offer group members mentoring, professional leadership development and the chance to establish a like-minded network that can be called upon for advice and support.

The Next Gen Dental Group initiative aims to continue pushing private dentistry to the front of the debate about the future of healthcare, ensuring the voices of those working within the private dental sector - in particular, future young leaders - are heard

Catherine Rutland, Clinical Director at Denplan and chair of the Next Gen Dental Group, says: 'Denplan is committed to raising the profile of private dentists in policy-making, by advocating on their behalf and improving the understanding of dentistry more generally within government. Our new Next Gen Dental Group aims to provide the younger age group with an opportunity to start shaping dentistry policy agenda from the beginning of their careers.

'We're working collaboratively with the group to refine our one-year programme, so that the key focus areas really meet their needs. During our initial meeting, we had invaluable discussions informed by the groups' experiences around mentoring, career support and regulation of private practices. Together, we're looking at the best ways to support young and upcoming dentists, as well as how we can continue to effectively highlight ongoing issues affecting the profession to government.'

Denplan is delighted to welcome the following members to the Next Gen Dental Group; Richard Alexander at Greenlaw Dental Care, Shamir Chandarana at Dental House, Gareth Crowther at Brynhyfryd Dental, Andrew Farr at Broad Street Dental, Veeren Gupta at Ferndale House Dental, Niki Keyhani at Horsham Dental Studio, Alice Martin at Lowen Dental Spa, Harbinder Singh-Dewgun at Lion House Dental Practice and Buckingham Dental, and Catherine Turner at The Walton Practice.

Dr Niki Keyhani from Horsham Dental Studio said: 'I am delighted to be a part of the Next Generation Dental Group. This is an exciting opportunity to work with other young dentists to highlight the issues impacting the sector and to shape its future around our experiences as dental professionals.

'I'm looking forward to working with colleagues to put forward new ideas and fresh approaches to the issues confronting us as a profession.'