Who’s Who 2026-2027
Who's who in Scottish dentistry
Dr Arshad Ali
Arshad Ali established the Scottish Centre for Excellence in Dentistry in 2009, and it was named the UK’s Best Specialist Referral Practice in 2010. A University of Glasgow graduate, he completed extensive postgraduate training and held Consultant posts in Restorative Dentistry in Wales and Glasgow. With expertise in implantology since 1985, Arshad has received several prestigious international clinical awards. He has delivered over 500 lectures and courses worldwide and has held senior educational, examining and professional roles. In 2017, Dentistry Scotland named him the most influential person in Scottish dentistry, followed by the Business Excellence Award at the Scottish Dentistry Awards in 2018. Outside dentistry, Arshad enjoys golf, football, family time and cars.
Professor Aileen Bell
Professor Aileen Bell is Head of the Dental School and Deputy Head of the School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing at the University of Glasgow. She is Professor of Oral Surgery and Dental Education and Honorary Consultant in Oral Surgery. She completed a BSc (Hons 1st Class) in Biology at the University of Stirling before earning a PhD in 1993 and a BDS with Honours as Most Distinguished Graduate in 1998 from the University of Glasgow. Following postgraduate clinical and academic training, she was appointed Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Oral Surgery in 2009. She served as Deputy Director and Director of Dental Education before taking up her Chair in July 2021 and appointment as Head of School in September 2021. Her research focuses on 3D imaging, digital learning, and assessment in dental education.
Dr Steve Bonsor
Dr Steve Bonsor graduated BDS with Honours and DDS from the University of Edinburgh in 1992 and 2026 respectively. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, Faculty of Dental Trainers at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Higher Education Academy, College of General Dentistry and International College of Dentists. His background is in general dental practice where he still works in addition to specialist endodontic practice at Vermilion. Steve is heavily involved in dental education having taught at the Universities of Dundee and Aberdeen. He is currently Programme Director on the MSc in Restorative Dentistry at the University of Edinburgh. He has published over fifty papers in peer reviewed journals and a textbook, A Clinical Guide to Applied Dental Materials.
Professor Janet Clarkson
Professor Janet Clarkson is the Chair of Clinical Effectiveness at the University of Dundee and Director of the Effective Dental Practice Programme. She graduated in dentistry from Newcastle University in 1984 and completed her PhD at Manchester University in 1994. An internationally recognised leader in dental health services research, her work focuses on clinical effectiveness, evidence implementation, and primary care trials. Professor Clarkson is a founding member and former Joint Co-ordinating Editor of the Cochrane Oral Health Group. She also serves as Director of the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) and the Scottish Dental Practice Based Research Network, leading major initiatives to improve oral healthcare quality and translate evidence into everyday practice.
Professor David Conway
Professor David Conway is Professor of Dental Public Health at the University of Glasgow and an Honorary Consultant in Dental Public Health in Public Health Scotland. He graduated with a BDS from the University of Glasgow in 1996, later completing a Master of Public Health in 2002 and a PhD in 2008 focusing on the epidemiology of oral cancer. He was appointed Professor in 2015. David leads the Oral Health Research Hub in Glasgow Dental School and co-leads the NHS Research Scotland Oral and Dental Specialty Group. His research focuses on health inequalities, head and neck cancer and evaluating Childsmile, Scotland’s national child oral health improvement programme, Childsmile. In 2026, he was awarded the International Association for Dental Research Distinguished Scientist Award.
Dr Andrew Culbard
Dr Andrew Culbard is a cosmetic dentist at Advanced Dentistry Scotland. He graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Glasgow in 2013 and earned his Diploma of Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties from the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2015. He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Orthodontics. Dr Culbard gained valuable international experience working at a cosmetic dental clinic in Dubai. His clinical focus encompasses aesthetic dentistry, including Invisalign, composite bonding, and veneers, alongside facial aesthetic treatments. Recognised as Best Young Dentist at the 2018 Private Dentistry Awards UK, he also serves as a clinical director and trainer for Facial Aesthetic Courses. His clinical focus encompasses aesthetic dentistry, including Invisalign, composite bonding, and veneers, alongside facial aesthetic treatments. Recognised as Best Young Dentist at the 2018 Private Dentistry Awards UK, he also serves as a clinical director and trainer for Facial Aesthetic Courses. [Note: awaiting sign-off, can update in InDesign]
Professor Shauna Culshaw
Shauna Culshaw is Professor of Periodontology and Immunology at the University of Glasgow, where she is Deputy Head of the Dental School, Lead for the Dental Clinical Research Facility and Lead for Undergraduate Teaching in Periodontics. A specialist in periodontics, she combines academic and leadership roles with clinical practice at Glasgow Dental Hospital, providing specialist care for patients with advanced periodontal conditions and delivering both undergraduate and specialist training. Her research focuses on the immune response in the oral cavity and the links between periodontitis and systemic inflammatory and autoimmune disease, with a particular interest in rheumatoid arthritis. Shauna is President-Elect of the British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry (BSP) and will bring the BSP Conference to her home city of Glasgow in 2027. Her work spans clinical periodontology, laboratory and clinical research, education and academic leadership, with a focus on ensuring that advances in research and education translate into better care for patients.
Dr Lisa Currie
Dr Lisa Currie is the Clinical Director and Consultant Orthodontist at The Orthodontic Clinic in Aberdeen. She graduated with Honours in Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Dundee in 1996 before completing extensive postgraduate training. She earned a Master of Science in Orthodontics from the University of Edinburgh and attained accreditation as a Consultant Orthodontist. Dr Currie served as a Consultant Orthodontist at the Edinburgh Dental Institute and Borders General Hospital before then becoming Clinical Director of The Orthodontic Clinic in 2010 and co-owner in 2014. This year, the multi-award winning clinic celebrates 20 years of establishment.
Paul Cushley
Paul Cushley is Director of Dentistry for Public Services Delivery Scotland, previously being NSS’s Director of Dentistry. Having initially started working as a hospital porter, as a holiday job when he was a dental student in the early 1980’s, Paul has subsequently worked in the NHS hospital service and general dental practice as an associate, partner and principal. He has also worked for the Public Dental Service as a Senior Dental Officer, as well as deputy and then Clinical Dental Director for NHS Forth Valley. As an NHS National Education for Scotland, Vocational Training Adviser for 20 years Paul supported a generation of dental graduates as they entered the NHS in Scotland. A large part of Paul’s clinical career was spent delivering care in a variety of custodial institutions and during the Lockerbie Trial, he was appointed as the dentist at HMP Zeist in the Netherlands. Paul now works to ensure oral health and dentistry are fully integrated into the design and delivery of health and social care services across NHS Scotland.
Dr Kevin Davey
Dr Kevin Davey is a Senior Clinical Lecturer in Periodontology at the University of Dundee with more than 25 years of experience in undergraduate and postgraduate dental education, especially in relation to periodontology, dental education and leadership. He has been the undergraduate academic lead for periodontology since 2014 and has held a number of university leadership roles, including Associate Dean, positions in Quality & Academic Standards and in Learning & Teaching. Furthermore, Dr Davey has been both the Deputy Dean (2024-25) and the Interim Dean/Head of the School of Dentistry (2025-26). His academic work focuses on clinical periodontics, curriculum development, assessment and innovative teaching methodologies. Additionally, Dr Davey has been an external examiner both in the UK and internationally, as well as leading several international programme reviews of dental institutions in northern Europe. He completed a PhD in oral wound healing in 2020 and is a PhD supervisor in periodontology and dental education.
Robert Donald
Robert Donald serves as the Marketing Director at Independent Care Plans (ICP) UK, a practitioner-led provider of dental payment plans established in 1995. A former general dental practitioner and practice owner based in Nairn, he draws upon decades of firsthand clinical and operational experience to support dental professionals across the UK. Since transitioning from clinical practice, Robert has focused on business strategy, marketing, and practice growth, advocating for flexible, dentist-friendly plan solutions. His background makes him a key voice in helping private and mixed practices build sustainable revenue models. Beyond his corporate leadership, he remains actively engaged in the wider UK dental community, sharing insights on practice management and the evolving private dental landscape.
Dr Philip Friel
Dr Philip Friel is the Principal Dentist and founder of Advanced Dentistry Scotland, a premier referral clinic based in Glasgow’s West End. Graduating from the University of Glasgow with degrees in Anatomy (1998) and Dental Surgery (2,000), he has established himself as one of the region’s leading implant surgeons. His practice focuses on complex restorative, cosmetic, and surgical dentistry, specializing in advanced bone grafting, soft tissue surgery, and immediate implant loading. A recognised educator, Dr Friel frequently lectures nationally on implantology and mentors visiting dentists. Widely acknowledged for his clinical excellence, his leadership has built Advanced Dentistry Scotland into a centre of excellence equipped with state-of-the-art dental technology. A recognised educator, Dr Friel frequently lectures nationally on implantology and mentors visiting dentists. Widely acknowledged for his clinical excellence, his leadership has built Advanced Dentistry Scotland into a centre of excellence equipped with state-of-the-art dental technology. [Note: awaiting sign-off, can update in InDesign]
Professor John Gibson
Professor John Gibson is Emeritus Professor of Oral Medicine at the University of Aberdeen, possessing dual qualifications in both dentistry and medicine. Throughout a distinguished academic and clinical career, he previously served as Head of the University of Aberdeen’s Institute of Dentistry and Associate Postgraduate Dental Dean for Scotland. His extensive leadership background also includes serving as Chair of Dental Protection Ltd, a Board Member of the Medical Protection Society and a Chair of the Fitness to Practise Panel at the General Dental Council. Following the loss of his son Cameron to suicide in 2019, Professor Gibson co-founded The Canmore Trust in 2022. Today, he dedicates his work to suicide prevention and postvention and mental health advocacy, engaging extensively with national policy panels, survivor support networks and community outreach campaigns.
Professor Christine Goodall
Professor Christine Goodall OBE is Professor of Oral Surgery and Violence Reduction at the University of Glasgow and an Honorary Consultant in Oral Surgery with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. She is immediate Past Dental Dean at RCPSG and was responsible for working with its sister colleges to redesign the dental postgraduate examinations during her tenure. A pioneer in combining healthcare with social injury prevention, she co-founded Medics Against Violence (MAV) in 2008 alongside fellow surgical colleagues. Her career spans complex surgical clinical care, university teaching, and rigorous research focused on facial trauma, domestic abuse awareness, and violence prevention strategies. Recognised nationally for her contributions to public health and violence reduction, Professor Goodall works closely with emergency departments, schools, and government bodies to address the root causes of interpersonal violence, using clinical insights to drive impactful education, preventative policy and social reform.
Dr Elaine Halley
Dr Elaine Halley is a highly respected clinician and the Clinical Director of the Pain Free Dental Group, overseeing multiple private practices across Scotland. Graduating from the University of Edinburgh, she has dedicated her career to advanced cosmetic, restorative, and digital dentistry. She is a past President of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) and holds an accreditation status, reflecting her high standard of clinical excellence. She is the author of “Smile Analysis”, a textbook for Smile Design and Treatment Planning published by Edra Publishing. Known for integrating state-of-the-art technologies like digital smile design and intraoral scanning into patient care, Dr Halley regularly lectures internationally on comprehensive treatment planning and digital practice workflows. Her work focuses on patient-centred care, comprehensive treatment planning and mentoring dental teams to achieve exceptional functional and cosmetic patient outcomes.
Professor Khaled Khalaf
Professor Khaled Khalaf serves as the Director of the Institute of Dentistry and Professor & Honorary Consultant in Orthodontics at the University of Aberdeen/ NHS Grampian. An internationally recognised orthodontic specialist, he holds extensive academic and clinical credentials, including multiple fellowships from the Royal Colleges of Surgeons across the UK and Ireland. His leadership encompasses oversight of undergraduate and postgraduate dental education, clinical delivery, and strategic academic initiatives at Aberdeen. Professor Khalaf’s research interests centre on hypodontia, 3D imaging applications in dentistry, evidence-based orthodontics (RCTs, systematic reviews and meta-analyses) and medical/dental education and training. Beyond his administrative and clinical duties, he actively contributes to peer-reviewed literature, supervises higher research degrees and works to advance quality standards and innovation within modern dental education and patient care.
Gordon Matheson
Gordon Matheson CBE serves as the Head of Scottish Affairs for the General Dental Council (GDC). In this strategic role, he leads stakeholder engagement across Scotland, serving as a critical bridge between the regulatory body, the Scottish Government, dental practice leaders, the dental team and academic institutions. With an extensive background in public policy, governance, and leadership, including previous service as Leader of Glasgow City Council, Mr Matheson brings deep public service experience to the healthcare regulation domain. His work focuses on patient safety and public confidence in dentistry, promoting professionalism and addressing the unique structural and policy contexts and challenges facing dentistry in Scotland. Through extensive engagement and collaborative policy development, he works to foster a safe, resilient and high-quality dental workforce.
Professor William McLean
William McLean is Professor of Endodontology and Honorary Consultant in Endodontics at the University of Glasgow Dental School. He is Programme Director for the new part-time postgraduate Endodontics programme aimed at enhancing the endodontic skills of General Dental Practitioners. He is also academic lead for undergraduate endodontics, Head of the Section of Biological and Medical Sciences and founder of the Glasgow Endodontology Group. His research group focuses on endodontic microbiology and stem cell biology, advancing understanding of infection and regeneration. He has held several national and international roles: Past President of the Glasgow Odontological Society, Past President of the British Endodontic Society and Conference Chair for the World Endodontic Congress 2024 in Glasgow. He currently serves as European Regent of the International Federation of Endodontic Associations and Deputy Chair of the Dental Specialty Fellowship Examinations in Endodontics. His work spans teaching, NHS and private clinical practice, research, and professional leadership, with an ongoing commitment to training the next generation of dentists and endodontic practitioners.
Professor Peter Mossey
Professor Peter Mossey is Professor of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Development at the University of Dundee Dental School. A world-renowned researcher in cleft lip and palate etiology, his work focuses on the genetic and environmental risk factors associated with craniofacial anomalies. He has held senior international leadership positions, including Convenor of the FDI World Dental Federation Task Group on Cleft Care and active roles within the World Health Organization (WHO). He is currently Director of Research at the British Orthodontic Society and a member of the Medical Advisory Board of the Smile Train cleft lip and palate charity. Professor Mossey’s extensive research portfolio encompasses global oral health inequalities, epidemiology, and 3D facial imaging techniques. A dedicated academic, clinician and mentor, he has published widely, driven international collaborative health initiatives and worked tirelessly to improve multidisciplinary care standards for children born with facial clefts globally.
Dr Amir Nazim
Dr Amir Nazim is an award-winning cosmetic and restorative dentist based in Prestwick. An Honours graduate of the University of Glasgow, he has completed advanced postgraduate qualifications, including a Master of Science in Prosthodontics. Dr Nazim has established himself as an Elite Invisalign provider with a particular interest in full-mouth smile design and implant dentistry. His practice centres on minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry, combining digital treatment planning with composite bonding, ceramic restorations and clear aligner orthodontics. Known for his meticulous approach, Dr Nazim focuses on providing tailored aesthetic treatments that prioritise natural outcomes and long-term dental health. Later this year, he will launch AMÁRI Dental, his new state-of-the-art clinic, reflecting his vision for modern, comprehensive dentistry.
Dr David Offord
Dr David Offord is a specialist in oral surgery and practice principal at Vermilion – The Smile Experts. His clinical practice is now entirely implant surgery, working in close collaboration with colleagues within the multi-disciplinary team. Born and bred in Greenock, David was in the last year group to graduate from the University of Edinburgh Dental School in 1994. His varied career has included spells in general practice in Edinburgh, Australia and Singapore with oral and maxillofacial roles in Wales, London, Falkirk and Fife. For five years he combined oral surgery staff grade jobs with working in specialist practice, before he opened Vermilion in 2011. A Fellow of the College of General Dentistry, David holds a Diploma in Conscious Sedation from the University of Newcastle and the Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and is currently working towards a PhD at the University of Ghent. For four years, he was the Scotland representative on the board of the Association of Dental Implantology and in 2025 he was elected as the regional representative for East Scotland on the College Council.
Andrew Paterson
Andrew Paterson is a Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at the University of Glasgow Dental School. Graduating from the University of Edinburgh in 1987, he has many years of clinical, surgical, and academic expertise in practice, hospital settings and higher education primarily in Scotland. As Education Lead for Restorative Dentistry at Glasgow, he plays a crucial role in directing undergraduate and postgraduate dental curricula. His clinical work encompasses complex restorative dentistry including prosthodontics and tooth wear management. A clinical teacher, researcher and speaker, Andrew contributes widely to national specialty organisations and examinations, dental training in Malawi, driving evidence-based standards with SDCEP and shaping the training of future dental professionals across Scotland.
Dr Attiq Rahman
Dr Attiq Rahman is a renowned clinician and the Founder and President of Precision Dentistry and Precision Academy. With more than 32 years of experience in restorative and aesthetic dentistry, he serves as Clinical Director at Visage Cosmetic Dental Clinic, where he specialises in complex restorative and implantology. Widely respected as an operator and educator of international calibre, Dr Rahman focuses on fusing biological principles, digital workflows and meticulous technical precision. Through the Precision Academy, he delivers highly sought-after hands-on masterclasses, training hundreds of dentists in modern tooth preparation and restorative techniques. He regularly lectures across the UK and internationally on cosmetic dentistry and implantology.
Lee Savarrio
Lee Savarrio is the Postgraduate Dental Dean and Director of Dentistry at Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSD Scotland). A Specialist and Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, he holds fellowships from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. Throughout his distinguished career in clinical service and dental education, Lee has held key leadership positions at both NHS Board level and academic institutions. In his executive role at PSD Scotland, he oversees the strategic direction, quality assurance, and delivery of postgraduate education for the dental and optometry teams in Scotland. Lee works closely with other UK Postgraduate Deans, Royal Colleges and Scottish and other UK Government bodies to ensure a robust, highly skilled dental and optometric workforce that meets the modern needs of the public.
Charlotte Waite
Charlotte Waite is the Scotland Director at the British Dental Association (BDA), taking up the post in November 2022. A graduate of the University of Dundee Dental School, her career includes extensive clinical experience in general practice and community dental services, alongside dedicated involvement in healthcare leadership. In her national leadership role, she represents the interests of dentists across Scotland, leading trade union negotiations, policy formulation, and stakeholder engagement with the Scottish Government. Waite is a prominent voice for the profession, championing NHS dental reform, workforce sustainability, fair remuneration and equal access to patient care. She supported the BDA Scottish Dental Practice Committee in its negotiations with the Scottish Government on NHS dental Payment Reform, implemented in November 2023, and continues to champion the BDA’s vision for further reform to improve access, tackle inequalities and secure a sustainable future for NHS dentistry in Scotland.
Dr David Wiseman
Dr David Wiseman is a practice principal and founder of Art of Dentistry; a private dental practice located in Prestwick. Graduating from the University of Glasgow in 1982, he brings more than four decades of clinical experience to patient care in Ayrshire. Dr Wiseman has undertaken extensive postgraduate training in advanced restorative, cosmetic and preventative dentistry, earning a strong reputation for gentle, high-quality care. At Art of Dentistry, he focuses on comprehensive oral health, utilising modern digital technologies and restorative techniques to deliver tailor-made treatment plans. Known for his meticulous approach and patient-centred philosophy, Dr Wiseman remains committed to delivering exceptional aesthetic outcomes and fostering long-term relationships with his patients.