I graduated from Newcastle University in 1979. Undertook basic clinical training in Bristol and Stoke on Trent before returning to Newcastle for an MRC clinical training fellowship leading to a PhD. I held a variety of posts in Newcastle before being appointed as Professor of Restorative Dentistry in 1994.
My research interests focus on the oral health status and care needs of older people. This is changing rapidly with many more older people retaining their natural teeth for longer, rather than relying upon full dentures. Consequently, the oral health needs of this population group are changing. This will impact both upon the individuals themselves and all carers for older persons. My research interests revolve around identifying oral health care problems for the ageing population and working with colleagues both to clarify the problem and develop interventions to address the issues concerned.
Served as President of the British Society for Gerodontology, the British Society for Restorative Dentistry the British Society for Oral and Dental Research, the European College of Gerodontology and the International Association for Dental Research. I was a member of the RAE panel in 2008 and the REF in 2014