Jocelyn Harding Becomes President Of The Mouth Cancer Foundation

At NUYU Dental & Aesthetics, we are delighted to share that Jocelyn Harding, our experienced Dental Hygienist, has become President of the Mouth Cancer Foundation.

Her appointment recognises a long and distinguished career in dentistry, education, and oncology-related oral care. It is also a proud moment for our team, and a meaningful reflection of the care, knowledge, and reassurance Jocelyn brings to patients every day.

Known for her calm presence, clinical expertise, and compassionate approach, Jocelyn helps patients feel informed, supported, and at ease. She is especially valued for the way she listens carefully, explains clearly, and brings reassurance to more sensitive or complex situations.

This new role reflects not only her professional achievements, but also the lasting impact she continues to make in oral health and mouth cancer awareness.

Jocelyn’s career in dentistry began in 1987, when she joined the Royal Navy at just 19 years old after a last-minute work experience placement opened the door to an unexpected opportunity.

What began as a chance introduction soon became the foundation of her professional life. Her early years in a military healthcare setting helped shape the values that still define her work today, including teamwork, resilience, professionalism, and a strong sense of purpose in patient care.

Jocelyn’s first formal experience in dentistry came through dental nurse training at HMS Nelson.

It was here that she developed a strong appreciation for high clinical standards, infection control, teamwork, and preventive care. Just as importantly, she began to see how thoughtful dental support can make a real difference to a person’s comfort, confidence, and long-term wellbeing.

Her interest in preventive dentistry and patient education continued to grow, leading her to train as a Dental Hygienist and qualify in 1992.

These early experiences gave Jocelyn a strong clinical foundation and helped shape the clear, patient-focused approach she is known for today.

After leaving the Royal Navy, Jocelyn moved into civilian dental practice and began building her confidence in a new environment.

As her career developed, she noticed a significant gap in accessible information for patients undergoing cancer treatment, especially in relation to oral care. That realisation would go on to shape the direction of her work for many years.

Driven by a desire to improve support for patients and raise awareness within the profession, Jocelyn began publishing and sharing knowledge in this area. In 2017, her article in BDJ Team became the second most accessed article, achieving more than 145,000 views.

In 2018, she was recognised as Dental Hygienist of the Year, marking an important milestone in her growing impact within dentistry.

Jocelyn’s passion for head and neck cancer care continued to develop through collaboration with specialist teams, ongoing research, and a clear commitment to education for both patients and professionals.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, an idea to support learning developed into a peer-reviewed textbook on head and neck cancer care for dental hygienists and dental therapists. The textbook has since been used in universities and has also raised £2,600 for charity, reflecting both its educational value and its wider contribution.

Alongside this work, Jocelyn continued to advance academically and professionally. Her recent achievements include:

• Completing a Master’s degree in 2023

• Achieving a Fellowship with the College of General Dentistry in 2024

• Adding further research publication in 2025

• Being named Dental Hygienist of the Year 2025 at the Private Dentistry Awards

Each of these achievements reflects her commitment to improving patient care, strengthening professional education, and supporting better outcomes in oral health.

Today, Jocelyn is President of the Mouth Cancer Foundation, helping lead national efforts in awareness, education, and patient-centred cancer care.

Her work in this field has evolved over many years and includes serving as a Clinical Ambassador for the Foundation since 2018, alongside publishing, teaching, and collaborating with healthcare professionals across disciplines.

After nearly four decades in dentistry, her mission remains clear, to improve the lives of patients affected by cancer through knowledge, prevention, and compassionate care.

This leadership role is a natural next step in a career built on service, education, and advocacy. It also reflects the respect Jocelyn has earned within dentistry for her contribution to oncology-related oral care and professional development.

At NUYU Dental & Aesthetics, Jocelyn provides advanced hygiene care and implant maintenance, working closely with the wider clinical team to ensure patients feel informed, supported, and reassured throughout their care.

A key focus of her work is supporting patients affected by mouth cancer and its treatment. Her approach is rooted in empathy, education, and long-term oral health, helping patients feel understood and confident at every stage.

Patients appreciate Jocelyn not only for her clinical knowledge, but also for the warmth, clarity, and reassurance she brings to every appointment.

That balance of expertise and compassion sits at the heart of the care we value at NUYU Dental & Aesthetics.

We are incredibly proud to see Jocelyn recognised in this way. Her appointment as President of the Mouth Cancer Foundation is a remarkable achievement and one that reflects the knowledge, compassion, and dedication she brings to our practice every day.

Please join us in congratulating Jocelyn Harding, Dental Hygienist, GDC 4276, on this outstanding achievement.

To learn more about our team or book an appointment, contact NUYU Dental & Aesthetics. Your Smile, Our Passion.