The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has appointed Professor Richard Ibbetson as director of the graduate entry dentistry programme (BDS).
Richard has been selected to spearhead the BDS course at UCLan’s School of Medicine and Dentistry. He is a clinical expert in restorative dentistry with a particular interest in fixed prosthodontics and conservative dentistry. His experience and expertise will be used within the postgraduate arena, to help shape and develop the school.
He said: ‘I’m delighted to be joining the university at this very exciting time. UCLan has become a leading centre for dental education and research throughout the country. The students are eager to learn and the facilities are state-of-the-art.’
Richard arrives at the Preston Campus after being professor of restorative dentistry at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry for the past three years. He is also currently dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and holds an honorary professorship at the University of Edinburgh.
He graduated from Guy’s Hospital Dental School, University of London, in 1974 and completed an MSc in conservative dentistry at the Eastman Dental Institute in 1979. He then spent 20 years on the staff of the Institute and later was head of the department of conservative dentistry before developing a new department of continuing education. In 1999, he was appointed chair of primary dental care at the University of Edinburgh and director of the new Edinburgh Postgraduate Dental Institute with a particular remit to develop postgraduate dental education and education for the dental team.
Professor StJohn Crean, dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry, added: ‘We are extremely fortunate to obtain the services of such an internationally recognised academic and dental clinician. Richard brings a wealth of experience to the role and is working very closely with the senior management team to shape the strategic direction of the school and to engage collaboratively with key regional and national stakeholders. In addition, he is enjoying an active teaching role, working both with undergraduate and postgraduate students.’
