Voting open for College Council elections

Tell us a little about yourself, your background and your professional and personal interests.

I am a GDP , qualified 30 years who has spent some time in hospital , practice and the community service . I am the founding clinician of a general practice in Central London and i have a special interest in Implant surgical and restorative treatment .

I split my clinical time in practice and also teaching post-graduate implant dentistry both in the Uk and abroad at Diploma and Masters Level.

I spend much of my spare time enjoying the cultural arts and sports with my grown children ; and also volunteering for charitable work with Childline and other overseas projects.

I enjoy the culinary arts ; film and fine dining but am also really interested in where our food comes from and how it gets to our table.

Why did you decide to stand for election?

I am currently at the end of my presidency for the London Dental fellowship, and am a board member of British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry. I enjoy and value contribution with my colleagues to organisations that uplift and promote good practice amongst our peers.

The opportunity to give back to my profession especially within the CGD would be a privilege for me especially as there are exciting developments in the pipeline which would encourage GDPs to be more involved in pathways that recognise their contribution /experience giving them pathways within their remit to progress throughout their career.

It allows me to develop leadership skills and to work within a strategic team of colleagues helping and participating in matters that will ultimately shape some of the pathways that impact on general practice .

I also feel that as i am connected to many younger colleagues that i could understand their career aspirations.

What are your ambitions for the organisation?

I would aspire to all members of the team becoming part of the CGD family, with them relating to and feeling that their aspirations are being heard and represented in a manner that is progressive and balanced.

The college needs to connect with our younger colleagues to ensure that future developments and standards will be revised and maintained by GDPs moving forward . I would like the college to be involved in all aspects of mentoring and guidance which would be valid and cogent for all aspects of practice .

The career pathways are of paramount importance and this supported by educational standards being set will go some way to providing a framework which recognises and accredits colleagues who have vast experience and significant training.

I hope to be able to contribute to some of the above.

Give some examples from your professional or personal life that show you have the right skill set to make a contribution to the work of the Council.

I have a background in general practice and teaching both at university and private accredited Diploma and Masters Level courses. The groups range from 10-100 delegates .I feel that i can work in a team and also have worked at Board level both at the FGDP , BAAD and ADI.

I have held treasurer , secretary and president roles in the past and have some experience of working in large teams as well as leading and supporting roles both in education and service organisations.

Personally, i believe that coming from a large family and working in a team enables me to develops skills which are vital such as listening and understanding the viewpoint of others. I think as a GDP i can empathise with colleagues of all backgrounds and provide support and encouragement across the board.

Tell us a little about yourself, your background and your professional and personal interests.

Lecture internationally. Author of numerous publications including the Technical Appendix to Failure in the Restored Dentition – Management and Treatment, by Dr Michael Wise with whom I worked for twenty years. .

Managing Director of ‘Dental Excellence (Technologies) Ltd.’ and Principal of ‘Dental Education Nurtured Through Science’. Trained at the Eastman. A Fellow of the City and Guilds, a Fellow of the College of General Dentistry. Past President of BAAD, former Director of Education for the DLA.UK Technician of the Year 2003. 2013 received a lifetime achievement award for outstanding contribution to Dentistry. My training facility, offers education and training to clinicians and technicians, I mentor students for a career in dentistry.

Married, four children, nine grandchildren. Squash player, skier and runner. Lover of classical music, enjoy most music, ballet, opera. Devoted to my wife, dog, family, friends, colleagues and students. A lover of life and the joy it brings.

Why did you decide to stand for election?

I have a lifelong passion for dentistry.

I am a maverick but my views are widely accepted and appreciated. I would like to share my ethos and wealth of knowledge with a larger and new generation audience.

Dentistry is a brilliant profession but it seems to have lost direction due to being overwhelmed by administrative dictates and the evolution into new technology.

A steadying influence is much needed and I believe the college is the perfect vehicle to lead the way, nurture and support our profession.

Knowledge and understanding are the keys to our success and I would be delighted to share what I have to offer, while I still can.

What are your ambitions for the organisation?

To see it recognised as the driver and lead source of excellence for our profession. For our aspirations to be honourable in nurturing oral health for the people we serve through public education on the merits of oral health.

Give some examples from your professional or personal life that show you have the right skill set to make a contribution to the work of the Council.

I am a determined, organised, passionate and fastidious individual.

Life has it’s ups and downs but I always remain positive a believe there are solutions to everything.

I have faced numerous professional challenges, which I have overcome through knowledge and kindness, care and empathy for others.

I trained myself to be good at what I do. Excellence is an aspiration, trying to achieve it is what matters. It always results in an acceptable outcome.

Living in a world that aspires to mediocrity results in an unacceptable lack of achievement.

I am a successful educator, trainer, mentor and author. I have nurtured many individuals to great success in our profession.

My business is state of the art in the heart of the City of London.

I’m up for change a progress but never throw the baby out with the bathwater.

I have a devoted successful family. I’ve got something right.

Tell us a little about yourself, your background and your professional and personal interests.

With a distinguished academic background originating from Egypt’s Alazhar University in 2001, I transitioned to the United Kingdom in 2003, embarking on a journey marked by professional growth and significant achievements. Having successfully completed my ORE examinations, I furthered my expertise with a Post Graduate Diploma in Endodontics from Chester University.

My professional trajectory ascended as I assumed the role of Group Clinical Director within a prominent healthcare consortium spanning the regions of north-west England, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. A testament to my commitment to the advancement of dentistry, I fervently devote myself to nurturing the talents of young dentists and international dental graduates navigating their inaugural experiences within the UK’s dynamic healthcare landscape.

Motivated by an unwavering dedication to surpassing challenges and effecting positive change, I am resolutely driven towards realizing ambitious objectives and leaving a lasting impact within my field.

Why did you decide to stand for election?

Having dedicated over a decade to practicing dentistry in the vibrant northwest region, alongside my tenure as Clinical Director overseeing a cohort of over 120 dental professionals, I am propelled by a profound sense of duty to effect tangible change within my community. My stewardship as CEO of Tipton Training Academy underscores my commitment to fostering career advancement and professional excellence amongst dentists.

Standing for election is a natural extension of my mission to empower and guide fellow practitioners towards fulfilling career trajectories. With an established reputation for supporting international dental graduates in navigating the complexities of UK dentistry, I am impassioned to extend my advocacy to a broader scope, ensuring equitable opportunities for all within our profession.

Driven by a fervent desire to enhance the professional landscape, I am compelled to offer my expertise and leadership to propel our collective aspirations towards realization.

What are your ambitions for the organisation?

My aspirations for the College of Dentistry are firmly rooted in fostering global collaboration and expanding professional pathways for dentists worldwide. Leveraging my extensive networks within Middle Eastern, African, and Indian academic institutions, syndicates, and governmental bodies, I aim to internationalize CGDent’s programs, facilitating a seamless transition for international dentists entering the UK workforce.

Central to my vision is the establishment of clear and comprehensive career pathways, ensuring the first five years of practice in the UK are navigable and enriching for all practitioners. Additionally, I am committed to bolstering regional support structures, facilitating the formation of study groups to enhance professional and personal development.

By cultivating a vibrant community of CGDent members within these regions, we can collectively elevate standards of dental practice and foster a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.

Give some examples from your professional or personal life that show you have the right skill set to make a contribution to the work of the Council.

My professional journey is punctuated by demonstrable examples of my ability to contribute meaningfully to the work of the Council of the College of Dentistry. Having mentored numerous young dentists through their formative years, witnessing their progression to practice ownership, academia, and specialization underscores my efficacy in nurturing talent and fostering professional growth.

My adept organizational skills, honed through years of corporate leadership and as CEO of a renowned private dental education academy, equip me to spearhead initiatives aligned with the College’s overarching vision. Collaborating closely with Health Education England (HEE), I played a pivotal role in devising and implementing medium-term courses aimed at enhancing dental practitioners’ proficiency and ensuring safe practice in the northwest.

Drawing upon this rich tapestry of experiences, I am poised to contribute proactively to the Council’s endeavours, championing innovation, excellence, and inclusivity within the realm of dental education and practice.

Tell us a little about yourself, your background and your professional and personal interests.

My clinical background includes working with adults and children with anxieties and/or special educational needs in primary, secondary and tertiary care. Presently, I am practice partner alongside my husband at Crown Bank Dental, an award winning referral practice in the heart of Cheshire. I lead the practice “kids team”, sedation services, patient advisory group, marketing and CPD events. In addition, I’m a clinical lecturer at University of Liverpool and deliver sedation in CDS.

Since graduating in 2010, I’ve pursued my passion to be at the forefront of improving patients’ whole health. I have a masters and PhD in dental public health. I’ve published 30+ peer reviewed articles, received multiple clinical and academic awards, and am an associate Editor for Community Dental Health journal.

I’m mother to two girls aged 2&4. I enjoy taking part in triathlons and recently took up acting, performing my first monologue on stage.

Why did you decide to stand for election?

I decided to stand for election because I believe that I will bring a unique and valuable set of skills to the role of CGDent representative for the North West. Particularly the fusion of clinical practice, teaching, academia and business partnership.

I understand dentistry in primary, secondary and tertiary care and I understand the importance of translating research from institutions into evidence-based primary care dental practice.

I have unique insights through my role as primary care dentistry research champion for the North West Clinical Research Network, through introducing national research projects into our own practice and my involvement with the British Dental Association Dental Academic Staff Committee. I want to share these insights with the profession and encourage more general dental practitioners to become involved in research.

I want to support the CGDent in developing policy, research and standards, and creating high quality educational resources.

What are your ambitions for the organisation?

My ambitions for the organisation are to contribute to national level policy, research and standards. Particularly advocating for the involvement of primary care dentists in research and academia as well as promoting primary dental care research. I believe that research in primary care is crucial to understanding and meeting the needs of primary care dentists and their patients.

The focus of my current research is oral health stigma. In 2023, along with colleagues, I published a comprehensive description of oral health stigma. I would like to bring a wider understanding to the dental profession of the negative impacts of oral health stigma for patient mental health and wellbeing, life chances and to consider our role as dental professionals in addressing oral health stigma.

Give some examples from your professional or personal life that show you have the right skill set to make a contribution to the work of the Council.

As described above, I am ambitious and determined. I thrive in a range of different dental environments and have excelled in academia and research. Further, my research has been impactful gaining publication in the national news and multiple other newspapers around the globe.

I understand the unique challenges and opportunities of operating a mixed NHS/private dental practice. I am confident in public speaking with experience of international presenting, chairing and organising symposia. I have created novel educational material for undergraduate and postgraduate courses and CPD events. For several years I volunteered with Crisis at Christmas homeless dental service and in special care worked with vulnerable people, therefore I understand the importance of professional awareness of inclusion oral health.

I am tenacious to a fault and believe I would make an excellent CGDent representative.

Tell us a little about yourself, your background and your professional and personal interests.

I am a general dentist with a 5 surgery practice in Cambridge. I was previously an examiner for the FGDP(UK) membership examination. I have taught implant dentistry for many years and I am Director of the Cambridge Academy of Dental Implantology. I am also the Clinical Course Lead for the MSc in Advanced Dental Implantology and the MSc in General Dental Practice at Aston University. I am passionate about the improvement of postgraduate education in general dental practice. I am now coming towards the end of a Masters Degree in Medical Education at The University of Cambridge, where I also occasionally teach in this subject.

Why did you decide to stand for election?

I would love to have the honour of representing Trent & East Anglia for CGDent. These are exciting times for the College and, if I am given the opportunity of representing the Members and Fellows in my region, I will do my utmost to serve you as best as I can.

What are your ambitions for the organisation?

Although a relatively new organisation, the College of General Dental Practice is an important body for the national promotion of quality and standards in general dental practice. As GDPs, we are the predominant provider of dental care for the population. A high profile and respected College is an essential body to lead the dental profession into the future of dentistry.

I would like to see CGDent gain Royal College status and for the College to continue in its drive for improved career pathways in general dental practice by getting more involved in quality controlling and accrediting postgraduate qualifications which are relevant for all members of the general dental practice team. The surgical Royal Colleges are best placed for postgraduate qualifications in the specialised areas of dentistry but there remains a need for better access and quality control for general dental practice qualifications.

Give some examples from your professional or personal life that show you have the right skill set to make a contribution to the work of the Council.

As an experienced clinician and educator, I feel that I have a good understanding of how the members of our profession wish to move forwards into what should be an exciting future for dentistry. Committed dentists and dental team members need a professional body with a solid strategic plan to help us develop our careers and improve the care that we provide to our patients in general dental practice. My experience in leading postgraduate programmes should enable me to help the College continue in its goals of improving the standards of postgraduate education in general dentistry and facilitating structured career pathways for its members.

Tell us a little about yourself, your background and your professional and personal interests.

I qualified from Guys’ Hospital in London in 2002. I currently split my clinical week between mixed practice in Bury St. Edmunds and private practice in Nottingham.

In 2021, I completed a Masters’ degree in Dental Law and Ethics from the University of Bedfordshire, gaining a distinction. Following this, I have published multiple papers on subjects including evidence-based dentistry and consent. I also write a regular column on ethics for the BDJ. I am an Associate Fellow of the College of General Dentistry and a member of the BDA’s private practice subcommittee of the GDPC.

I am also a non-executive director for CDS, a social enterprise providing community dentistry for most of the East of England.

Aside from dentistry, I am a keen musician and enjoy life at home in the Suffolk countryside with my wife and Golden Retriever, Monty.

Why did you decide to stand for election?

As a dental professional deeply invested in the well-being of patients and fellow practitioners, I am excited to submit my nomination. Having been a GDP for over 20 years, I understand the challenges and difficulties that dental professionals face daily, and I am committed to finding ways to support and uplift the community.

I believe that serving on the council would be an excellent opportunity for me to use my experience and knowledge to help improve the lives of dental professionals and their patients alike. I am passionate about fostering better communication and collaboration between practitioners and promoting a more compassionate and empathetic approach to patient care.

As a council member, I would work to ensure that dental professionals’ needs and concerns are heard and addressed. I believe that working together can create a brighter future for our profession.

What are your ambitions for the organisation?

I believe that the College can and should be a leading light in the profession in terms of standard setting and professional development.

I am passionate about developing career pathways for all members of the dental profession, including nurses, technicians, and therapists, so that newly qualified and experienced clinicians can have a structured future that will lead to greater career stability and success.

Similarly, many clinicians are unsure of what standards are expected of them. Updating current guidelines and developing new ones should be at the forefront of the College’s efforts. Equally, the College should ensure these guidelines are just that and not weaponised to judge us.

And finally, the College should aim to become the Royal College of General Dentistry, indicating the profession’s status in the greater realm of healthcare.

Give some examples from your professional or personal life that show you have the right skill set to make a contribution to the work of the Council.

Having qualified over twenty years ago, I understand how the dental profession has developed in its recent history. My work as a non-executive director has built on the leadership skills I developed during my Master’s degree. These skills have led me to work on a therapist training pathway and lead a GDP expansion of a specialist practice.

My collaborative approach, ability to identify key stakeholders, and build consensus around important issues will enable the Council to achieve its objectives promptly and effectively. Additionally, through my writing and lectures on ethics, I have developed the ability to communicate complex ideas to a diverse audience. I can help the Council reach a larger audience and influence policy decisions by breaking down complicated concepts into easy-to-understand terms.

I believe that these combined leadership and communication skills would make me a valuable member of the Council.

Tell us a little about yourself, your background and your professional and personal interests.

My name is Dalip Kumar – a founding member and Associate Fellow of the College of General Dentistry – and I am running for the election of the Wales regional seat.

I obtained MFDS of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow in 2008, and BDS from India in 1994. Moreover, in 2014, I completed P G certificate in Clinical Dentistry from Cardiff University, and MSc in implant dentistry from University of Salford in 2021. I have experience of working in both clinical and research fields of dentistry. Presently, I am the principal dentist of a three-surgery NHS dental practice in Swansea, Wales.

As a current College certified facilitator of the certified membership and having acted as a council member last year, I have been an active member of the college council.

Why did you decide to stand for election?

The College of General Dentistry sets standards which are fundamentals to the practice of dentistry in the UK. I have been practicing dentistry in Wales for many years, so I am aware about challenges faced by dental professionals in Wales related to recruitment, workforce retention and career progression. I decide to stand for election so that I can put forward views and opinion of Welsh members effectively and the college can play its role advocating policies that deliver better oral health in Wales and ensure career progression of Welsh DCPs.

According to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), Wales has one of the lowest dentist-to-population ratios in the developed world, at just 0.4 dentists per 1,000 people. I will advocate for implementation of policies which benefits Welsh members and retention of dental workforce in Wales which will improve Welsh public oral health.

What are your ambitions for the organisation?

My ambitions are to increase number of members of the College throughout the world so that maximum dental professionals can take advantage of structured career pathway which the college offer through certified membership scheme. Also, the college participation in the National policies making process for better oral health and be at front to address the issues faced by dental professionals and the public for their oral health. In addition, regular updates on standards relevant to concurrent practice, and collaborations with like-minded institutions for career progression of DCPs and better oral health of the public.

As a representative of Wales in the College, I intend to use the College as a platform to benefit the public in Wales, and work for the good of our profession which will also include study days for further learning.

Give some examples from your professional or personal life that show you have the right skill set to make a contribution to the work of the Council.

I had organised a focus group meeting in Wales for the preventive dentistry Haleon research project , and inspired and motivated others for driving their progress as a facilitator and a mentor.

I am committed to serving the community and had worked at a charity dental clinic and delivered oral hygiene education at community gatherings.This dedication motivates me to work and advocate for the best interests of members and the Public

Further, my approach will be relevant to the dental team and the range of roles that individuals perform, embracing diversity within our professional constituencies.

Tell us a little about yourself, your background and your professional and personal interests.

I am a dentist originally from North Wales and studied in Cardiff University, where I graduated in 2013. I carried out my foundation training in North Wales and have worked in practices primarily in North and South Wales during my professional life. I was an Educational Supervisor for the past 3 years in Cardiff until I started a new role in London and am now split between Cardiff and London and work exclusively as a private dental practitioner in general practice as I wanted to develop my skills with the ‘gold standard’ approach to dentistry. I have also worked as a DCT in Cambridge, Newport and Cardiff Hospitals so I have had a taste of secondary care dentistry, and spent a year working as a dentist in New Zealand.

My personal non-dental interests include health and wellbeing, socialising, sports, philosophy, physics and I sing in a choir

Why did you decide to stand for election?

I would love to be able to be part of something bigger and have a wider impact on the provision of dentistry. I want to help improve the standard of dentistry in Wales and provide an ear to Welsh dentists and support them to improve the standard of care they provide, whilst keeping them interested and motivated to learn.

I believe this would provide an excellent opportunity for me to learn about so many aspects of dentistry that I do not currently have access to, be able to meet and discuss important issues with like minded individuals, as well as providing a sense of fulfilment that I am doing something of importance to the people around me

What are your ambitions for the organisation?

I want to make the college a valuable and attractive asset for dentists to be a part of and work together with other dental organisations and the government improve the standard of care of dentistry in the country.

I want to improve what we can offer and create a culture of growth and support.

I love the continual improvement aspect of the college and want to help provide up to date gold standard practice guidelines in a simple way that dentists can take on board effectively.

I want to use my problem solving skills to deal with the bigger issues facing dentistry

Give some examples from your professional or personal life that show you have the right skill set to make a contribution to the work of the Council.

I am a board member of the Welsh Dental Society, where I enjoy working with like minded dentists to tackle the problems we are facing together and contribute towards creating something better for the community

I am confident in providing a voice for the public, where I have spoken on behalf of the BDA for TV and radio coverages of NHS impacts on dentistry in Wales

I am very much a people person and am always open to hearing different opinions. I am keen to improve the team aspect of the college and involvement with both NHS and private dental boards

I spend the majority of my money on courses, so I value the importance of high quality teaching and the benefits of support and mentoring on our dental journeys, I want to ensure the quality of teaching is also excellent and accessible to those who need it

Tell us a little about yourself, your background and your professional and personal interests.

I am an overseas qualified dentist who started in NHS practice in the Midlands in 2005 as an associate dentist. I have been an Educational Supervisor in Foundation Training for 7 Years. I am an accredited Tier 2 Oral Surgery provider and sedation trainer. I have experience in Primary Dental Care, the Community Services, the Salaried Hospital Service, and Universities.

Currently I work as a Clinical Director for a large corporate, overseeing 150 practices in the Northwest Region. As well in helping to shape the delivery of local dental services, my role involves working collaboratively with several LATs and being a representative on several MCNs and LPNs.

Additionally I work at the Birmingham Dental Hospital as Speciality Dentist in Oral Surgery and Honorary Clinical Lecturer in Oral Surgery at the School of Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham since 2008. on a personal front I like traveling, good food and music.

Why did you decide to stand for election?

My journey in dentistry has been marked by an unwavering commitment to providing high quality of care to my patients, the pursuit of continuous learning and a drive to carve out a unique career as a General Dental Practitioner.

These are synonymous with the Values that the College is striving to promote within the profession and uniquely placed today to be the broad church that unites all strands of the dental community representing not only Dentists but colleagues from all other dental professional roles.

It would therefore be with great pride that I would join the council of CGDent to serve and progress these causes.

I have had a long association with the College staring with my roles as the Divisional MJDF tutor for the West Midland division of FGDP(UK) and more recently delivering CPD sessions on behalf of the College at the BDA dentistry shows.

What are your ambitions for the organisation?

1) Amplify the College’s voice : To advocate through the College ,the needs and concerns of dental professionals across dentistry

2) Inclusivity : To seek to ensure representation from diverse backgrounds from within the wider dental team and work with colleagues on Council to inform and shape our polices and guidelines.

3) Career Pathways and Lifelong learning : to promote and develop the College’s career pathways of the modern dental team and validate high quality education for the profession

4) Collaboration with Stakeholders; To ensure college works collaboratively with Government ,Regulators, industry partners and international colleagues, and widen the sphere of influence of the college.

5) Drive up standards of Care and ensure Patient -centred care: To work towards ensuring that the college continues to set the high standards of care in oral health care and encourage the profession to deliver high quality effective patient centred care.

Give some examples from your professional or personal life that show you have the right skill set to make a contribution to the work of the Council.

1) As a Clinical Director I have to be responsive, proactive and demonstrate leadership and management skills with the ability to be accessible, innovative and problem solve .

2) I have worked in several committee such the Advisory Board for Foundation training , Working Party for NHS Commissioning Guides, and in LDN’s which has allowed me to understand how committees operate and make decisions

3) As a practicing clinician within NHS practice and hospitals , I understand the challenges facing the NHS and the workforce. This will support Council in making policy positions for NHS dentistry.

4) My background in teaching ,mentoring and educational assessment will support the College’s development of Career Pathways and the Certified Membership Scheme.

5) My experience of working with international colleagues will support the college’s ambition to provide a support network for the overseas trained workforce in the UK and work with international organisations

Tell us a little about yourself, your background and your professional and personal interests.

Having qualified in 1999 from Liverpool Dental School I completed my MFGDP (London UK) and a PGCME from Birmingham University. 5 years post VT I opened a practice in 2005.

I acquired my second practice in 2015. A large multi-disciplinary practice in Bromsgrove and opened another new practice after converting it from an old sweet shop to The Sweet Smile on a high street in 2023. I am a partner in a fourth practice in Manchester

I have been an FD trainer from 2006-2019 and a part-time clinical lecturer at Birmingham Dental School from 2003 to 2013. I run training courses in dentistry also

I have held a position on the BDA Central Counties Branch for over a decade and served as president for two years in this time.

A love for travelling and sport and support my three children in their journey with Worcestershire County Cricket Club

Why did you decide to stand for election?

I was elected and served on the board of CGDent for the last three years holding the seat for the West Midlands representative. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last few years seeing the college incepted and also grow in membership and strength as well as recognition n the profession and amongst other professional bodies

Continuing this work with, and for its members and also supporting colleagues across all disciplines in dentistry is something I have been an advocate for for many years. General Practice should be able to stand up and be counted with a voice that should be heard.

Working with like minded people over the last three years has allowed the college to grow and, from here its needs to flourish further with the correct leadership and support from its board. I believe I have and will continue to add value to this very credible organisation for dentistry

What are your ambitions for the organisation?

To see the College of General Dentistry continually growing in membership, in its recognition amongst other professional organisations and see it receive its Royal Charter

Empowering primary dental care and seeing and hearing a voice for GDPs as well as Dental Therapists, Technicians, DCP etc. Seeing this voice grow to enable CGDent to contribute and turn the wheels of change politically, and professionally.

I would like to see CGDent engage with the government to drive change in the NHS and also create a fair and transparent system of regulation with GDC and see CGDent standing along side other colleges and be equal in stature, ability, importance and recognition.

Give some examples from your professional or personal life that show you have the right skill set to make a contribution to the work of the Council.

Owning and managing practices and understanding the challenges to dental professionals and the team I feel is invaluable to contributing and shaping the college.

I believe i have the right skill sets to interact with its members in turn allowing me to assist in taking forward suggestions and concerns to regulatory bodies such as the CQC or GDC and also trade unions like the BDA as well as government to continually drive change for the better

Being able to bring such matters as an example to the CGDent board opens a voice of the profession to deliver better learning, policy ad harmony in the profession. This is something I have decades of experience with sitting as an elected member on various panels.

I am passionate about education in the profession and supporting its younger or less experienced members is a definite focus.

Tell us a little about yourself, your background and your professional and personal interests.

Born and raised in Birmingham, following graduation from the University of Birmingham in 2002, I undertook postgraduate training at the Eastman. Now practicing in two locations in the West Midlands, I focus on general dentistry with an interest in surgical dentistry and implantology.

I take great pride in my dental practices and the dedicated team I work with. Our commitment to excellence has driven us to continuously refine our approach, ensuring the highest standard of care for our patients.

Beyond clinical work, I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Law to expand my knowledge and enhance my professional capabilities.

I’ve served as a clinical lecturer at the University of Birmingham and a Foundation Dental Trainer, promoting postgraduate education. Additionally, I’m a committee member of the Birmingham LDC.

Outside of dentistry, I cherish time with family and friends, along with playing cricket at the weekends, despite my modest skills on the field.

Why did you decide to stand for election?

I decided to stand for election as a Council Member at the College of General Dentistry because I am deeply committed to advancing the field of dentistry and supporting the dental community. I believe in the college and its values and feel that serving in this role provides an opportunity to contribute to the development of dental standards, education, and professional practice.

The college and its previous versions have given me so much, and this is my opportunity to give back.

What are your ambitions for the organisation?

My ambitions for the college involve promoting its culture of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity within the dental community.

I would like to be given an opportunity to collaborate with fellow members and stakeholders to elevate the standards of dental care, promote continuous professional development, and advance patient outcomes. By fostering collaboration and communication among members, I hope to help create a supportive environment that empowers dentists to thrive in their careers and deliver the highest quality care to patients.

Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to the College’s mission of advancing the art and science of dentistry for the betterment of our wonderful profession.

Give some examples from your professional or personal life that show you have the right skill set to make a contribution to the work of the Council.

Over the years, I have cultivated a skill set that I believe will contribute meaningfully to the work of the Council.

As a clinical lecturer, mentor and Foundation Dental Trainer, I’ve honed leadership abilities by guiding the next generation of professionals. Effective communication, essential for collaboration, has been central in my roles interacting with patients and colleagues. I’ve developed strong problem-solving skills through analysing complex clinical cases. My commitment to continuous learning, ensures I stay updated on the latest developments and techniques in and around dentistry.

I have experience of working with a large membership as I am one of the administrators of an online group with 20,000 members and I can bring insight from what I have learnt from this role. Lastly, my collaborative approach, fostered through teamwork in clinical and non-clinical settings, enables me to work harmoniously with fellow Council members towards shared objectives.

Tell us a little about yourself, your background and your professional and personal interests.

I am a GDP and practice owner in Yorkshire and have further training in prosthodontics and implants. Our 10 surgery practice has been involved in the FD scheme for over 20 years.

I have been involved in the Faculty since gaining membership in 2001. I am passionate about educational progression and mentoring, so following on from attaining my fellowship in 2010 I became a facilitator for the award. In 2021 I was elected to the board for one of the national seats. I have embraced being part of the transition from FGDP into CGDent and endeavoured to add value wherever possible. Last year I was elected as Vice President and have supported the President to steer the college in the direction set by the trustees.

I have 2 teenage boys and an orthodontist wife. Together as a family we enjoy most sports, especially rugby, skiing and the gym.

Why did you decide to stand for election?

I have been on the board in a national seat for the last three years, with the last year as Vice President.

I have found the experience stimulating and interesting and have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure so far.

I am very keen to continue on the board to help forge our way towards a Royal Charter. I feel I have the skill set and the energy to add value to the organisation and represent our region.

My involvement with the college since 2001 demonstrates my commitment to it and what is stands for.

Your vote would be gratefully appreciated and to allow me to continue in a role within the College.

What are your ambitions for the organisation?

As a College we need to continue to define our career pathway so the whole team has a clear vision of what we represent and how we can support them as members throughout their career.

Progressing the College towards a Royal Charter is an important next step. We strive to raise standards for the whole team, enabling all team members to be the best professional version of themselves.

Increasing awareness of the College is paramount, so all dentists and their team members are inspired to become members.

Give some examples from your professional or personal life that show you have the right skill set to make a contribution to the work of the Council.

I have been a practice owner and LDC Chair for many years and also Vice Chair of the Yorkshire Forum of LDCs. I am well experienced in chairing meetings and being able to keep meetings on track. This allows robust discussions on relevant topics and the direction required to reach decisions. All the above roles involve working as part of a larger team, requiring constructive intervention to progress ideas. I am organised, considered, tactical and prudent, which are all necessary attributes to work successfully with a wider team.

Tell us a little about yourself, your background and your professional and personal interests.

After completing my PhD in tissue engineering, I decided to look to a career in dentistry. Following completion of my BChD I have furthered my training by taking the MJDF, Postgraduate certificate in restorative dentistry through the Dominic Hassall Academy and multiple other courses. This culminated with me completing a Diploma in Endodontics with distinction through Simply Endo and the University of Chester. This has allowed me to take a position of clinical lead at a group of private dental practices as well as taking external referrals for endontic. Outside of dentistry, I have a young family of which we love to take walks in the Yorkshire countryside. I also love CrossFit gym and reading to keep me physically and mentally in shape.

Why did you decide to stand for election?

Standing for election to a possible seat at the College of General Dentistry offers a unique opportunity to contribute actively to the advancement of the college and dental profession. Since taking up a position as Leeds Dentinal Tubules study club lead, I have first hand experience managing colleagues and advocated for their interests and concerns of which I have taken a lot of enjoyment. Additionally, holding a seat at the college would provide a platform to collaborate with colleagues, share expertise, and influence policy decisions that shape the direction of the college in my area and subsequently the profession.

I feel I am at an age and experience where I may now be able to benefit my peers in their career choices and progression.

What are your ambitions for the organisation?

In the ever-evolving landscape of dentistry, it is my hope that the College envisions a future marked by innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in patient care. The college should look to position itself to lead the profession into new frontiers of research, education, and practice. Embracing technological and theoretical advancements, the college should

empower its members with cutting-edge tools and knowledge, enabling them to deliver superior dental care tailored to the diverse needs of their patients. As ever fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development is the backbone of these goals.

Give some examples from your professional or personal life that show you have the right skill set to make a contribution to the work of the Council.

Clinical – Clinical Lead and DWSI.

Leadership – Dentinal Tubules Study Club Lead.

Outside of dentistry skill set – worked in multiple scientific industries prior to enrolling in dentistry

Age/Maturity – at a period in my life when I have more flexibility to take on other roles, especially as I am not burdened by practice ownership

Networking – generally good contacts throughout dentistry