Interview in 2018

Jonathan Shepherd is Emeritus Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Cardiff University. In addition to his considerable clinical work as a consultant, through his research Jonathan has been active in the field of criminology and its overlap with health. His research in this area has led to significant reductions in violence, initially in South Wales where he carried out the work but since then across the UK and in cities around the world. Jonathan pioneered the establishment of professional colleges for the police, probation and school teachers. Recently, he spearheaded a Declaration on Evidence, which was signed in November 2017 by leaders of all the Royal Colleges, the College of Policing and the Chartered College of Teaching and commits them to put evidence at the heart of their work.

On 4 September 2017, Tristen Kelso was appointed Director, BDA Northern Ireland, against a backdrop of political uncertainty in the country. A year later there is still no sign of Northern Ireland Assembly in Stormont, so how has he spent the time in office? BDJ In Practice and BDJ Student Editor David Westgarth met with Tristen to find out.

Michael Norton, implant surgeon, became the 31st President of the Academy of Osseointegration (AO) in 2017, the first British dentist to hold that position and indeed the first ever non-American to do so. In March 2018, Michael's Presidential AO meeting was held in Los Angeles, California and the conference attracted over 2,500 delegates from around the world. Michael graduated from the University of Wales College of Medicine Dental School in 1988, and went on to specialise in oral surgery, researching, teaching and practising specifically in the field of implants for over 25 years. Michael's implant practice is based in Harley Street, London.

Dr Mick Horton is the outgoing Dean of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (FGDP[UK]), the ninth Dean since its founding in 1992. In his time as Dean, Mick presided over the decision to establish FGDP(UK) as an independent college for general dental practice. The new organisation aims to provide a collegiate home and professional standing for GDPs and all members of the general dental team. Mick qualified from Manchester University in 1986. In 1992, he purchased a mixed NHS/private practice in Caergwrle, north Wales. His experience includes being a member of the Welsh Dental Committee, 19 years as the chair of his local dental committee and 10 years as the vice chair of his local health board.

Professor Mike Curtis is the new Executive Dean of King's College London Dental Institute. He moved to King's from his former position as Dean of Dentistry and Deputy Vice-Principal (Health) at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL. Mike is a microbiologist and his research is focused on the role of the oral microbiome in maintaining oral health and developing disease, and key microbial virulence determinants of oral bacteria. He is a former President of the British Society for Oral and Dental Research, and he delivered the 2016 BDA/BDJ Winter Lecture.