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WelcomeDuring the nominations period, please use the "Complete my nomination form" button on the right (or below for mobile users or small screens) to nominate yourself for this election.During the voting period, please use the "Cast your vote now" button on the left (or below for mobile users or small screens) to proceed.Further information is available in the useful documents on the left and on the voting and nomination pages.These actions do not require javascript to be active.You will need to activate javascript to view the full content of this page including date specific updates.

Rachel Leeson*

I believe that I can enhance the mission of the Faculty and College by ensuring that training allied to oral health care, and in particular Oral Surgery, meets and indeed anticipates the expectations of patients, health care organisations and the public. I have significant experience in the clinical practice and education of Oral Surgery and allied subjects that will enable me to benefit the Faculty. I have strong educational skills by virtue of being (1) Programme Director for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at UCL Eastman Dental Institute, which has led to numerous taught and research students achieving higher postgraduate degrees, successfully passing RCS England examinations and securing senior positions around the globe (2) External examiner for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. I have a proactive role in research by virtue of (1) leadership of many clinical trials of novel therapies (2) the Graduate Tutor and Head of the Eastman Centre for Postgraduate Research (3) Supervisor and examiner for MPhil and PhD candidates. I was elected to the Faculty Board in 2019. Currently I am Co-Chair of the Postgraduate Education Committee and serve as a member of the Clinical Standards Committee, Fellowship and Awards Committee and Examinations Committee.

Patrick Magennis*

Reviewing my electoral statement from 2019, I have achieved many things during my first 6 years on FDS Board. I hope to deliver more for FDS members and fellows.

Representation from OMFS on FDS Board provides a useful and pragmatic link between medical and dental training. During 2025, as new examinations for dental specialty fellowships are developed, I am sure my knowledge and experience of training in the UK and Europe will be impactful.

In 2024 I worked with the FDS Dean and the COPDEND Lead Dean for Dental Core Trainees (DCTs) to help the General Dental Council to change its approach to temporary registered DCTs. This averted a crisis in care provision and DCT employment. Most DCT posts are in OMFS. My patch, Mersey, has a great track record of delivering dental specialty trainees.

I continue to have a strong record of delivering and a voracious appetite for work. As the Chair of the FDS Fellowship and Awards Committee I have improved its efficiency and raised the profile of the FDS.

I ask you to give your support to an enthusiast for the FDS who brings a high level of focus and application to every role I am given.

Nadia Ahmed

If elected, my priority would be collaboration to support colleagues on a local and national level and develop more networks for members and fellows at all stages of their careers. I strongly believe peer support is essential to nurture professional growth and drive excellence. I would actively grow membership of the RCS England by increasing awareness for young dentists so they benefit from educational events to inspire future generations. I would take the initiative to lead and chair study days and deliver courses, utilising the skills and experience I have from previous committee roles (British Orthodontic Society TGG Treasurer 2015-2016 and OSG Secretary 2021-present), having been involved in organising study days and securing sponsorship. I would like to promote wellbeing through delivering workshops as a certified life coach. During my tenure as BDA CCHDS Chair (2022-2024), I demonstrated the ability to inform and influence with respect for my colleagues. I led a series of careers webinars on Hospital Dental Services and the update of this section of the careers guide. I am actively involved in teaching GDPs, DFTs and StRs and am lead author of a book for Orthodontic trainees, demonstrating my commitment and passion to deliver training as an educator.

Rui Albuquerque

I am standing for election to the FDS Board because I am committed to improving oral healthcare through research, education, and policy advocacy. As a Consultant in Oral Medicine at Guy’s Hospital, Honorary Reader at King’s College London, and London Regional Dental Academic Advisor Lead (NHS England), I have dedicated my career to raising clinical standards, mentoring future leaders, and shaping the future of dentistry. In my role as European Association of Oral Medicine (EAOM) Region 1 Lead and Chair of the EAOM Education Committee, I have worked to advance international training and collaboration in oral medicine.If elected, I will enhance patient care by ensuring research translates into practice, driving real improvements in treatment and outcomes. I will expand professional development opportunities by strengthening training and networking. I will also advocate for fairer, more inclusive oral healthcare policies, ensuring our Faculty plays a key role in shaping the profession.

With experience leading European research projects and international education initiatives, I bring a broad perspective and strong leadership to drive meaningful change. I am committed to fostering diversity, strengthening our community, and inspiring the next generation.With your support, we can expand our Faculty and build a stronger future for dentistry—together.

Martin Ashley

The work of the Faculty is of great importance to those who want to train further, progress their careers and deliver high standards of patient care, both in the UK and internationally. I recognise the impact the Faculty has had on my own career so far and want to contribute to delivering the existing and future strategic aims. I believe my leadership experience will benefit this work.

I have been a consultant in Restorative Dentistry for 23 years in Manchester, with a strong clinical interest in MDT work, as one of the lead clinicians in both our regional cleft and hypodontia services. I am a national specialty lead for the GIRFT Head and Neck Cancer review.

I was RD-UK chair from 2018-2023, and in Manchester, Ass Med Director for Dentistry until 2020 and Trust Ass Med Director for Informatics 2020-23, leading the Epic EPR implementation.

I have a long association with FDS, Training Grades rep to the FDS Board, 1999-01, MRD examiner and then chair of MRD examinations 2004-16 and am currently a national speciality advisor.

My Mouth Care Matters course is accessed in 108 countries

I have strong interests in education, curriculum, governance, informatics, clinical standards, ethics and coding.

Robert Jackson Banks

A life long FDS member, I passionately believe in it’s promotion of excellence across the whole dental team in order to improve and maintain patient care.

Supporting and developing the dental team has never been more important, Education and training being the central element to this support. The Faculty of Dental Surgery is in a unique position to reach across all dental specialties, supporting them at all levels.

A consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, I have always worked in both the primary and secondary care settings. This provides unique insight as to the challenges both these face in providing timely and efficient dental care in an ever changing environment.

I would use this unique insight to help educate and inform those in both primary and secondary care as to how these interlinked spheres of practice can be brought closer together, making the most of the unique position the Faculty of Dental Surgery holds.

I have experience as local lead for our dental trainees, regional audit, and have held many roles within BAOMS, EACMFS and NCEPOD I believe now is the time to give back to the Faculty and would welcome the opportunity to help the Faculty support the dental team.

Pippa Blacklock

I am an Oral Surgeon working clinically as an Associate Specialist in OMFS at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and Associate Professor and Consultant Oral Surgeon at Peninsula Dental School, University of Plymouth. I graduated from Manchester Dental School in 1990 working in a variety of settings developed my enthusiasm for education. I am actively involved in training and supervising undergraduates and postgraduates.

I served on the British Association of Oral Surgeons Council from 2009 to 2019, as President from 2013 to 2015. I was Trust SAS committee chair and SAS tutor, advocating for this group at a local and national level. I have been a member of the RCS England Speciality Advisory Committee for Oral Surgery including the development of the curriculum and national recruitment. As Associate Dean NHSE SW (medical) the importance of working collaboratively and representing the voice of Dentistry as part of the multidisciplinary team was evident, I would hope to continue to champion this.

If elected I am committed to engaging with and representing Members and Fellows from all regions ensuring your voice is heard, working with the board to provide support and training for your development and preparing you for the ongoing advances in Dentistry.

Akhilanand Chaurasia

I am honoured to stand for election to the FDS Board of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. With over 15 years of experience in clinical practice, academic research, and leadership in dental surgery, I bring a unique blend of expertise and vision to advance our profession and address the evolving challenges faced by dental surgeons today. As a specialist in oral medicine and maxillofacial radiology, my work has centered on integrating evidence-based practices and innovative technologies into clinical care. I am deeply passionate about bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical applications to improve outcomes for our patients and support the profession’s evolution.

If elected, I aim to

Foster interdisciplinary collaboration to drive innovation in dental surgery and oral health.
Advocate for the adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, to enhance clinical decision-making and efficiency.
Support the professional development of colleagues by creating accessible opportunities for research and education.

I am eager to work with fellow Board members to shape the future of the FDS and make a meaningful impact on our profession. I kindly ask for your support in this election and would be privileged to serve you and the wider dental community.

Adel El Rasheed

I wish to serve on the FDS Board as I believe my 30 years of experience in oral surgery will benefit its members.

I am a consultant oral surgeon (BDS, FDSRCS, FFDRCSI, MSc, MPHIL, MOral-Surg, PG Cert Med-Ed, PG Cert healthcare leadership) working with the independent secondary care sector RSH Southampton since 2018. Previously, I worked in various NHS trusts and progressed to Associate Specialist OMFS 2008. I am on the OS specialist list.

As a senior member in several units, I have developed multiple training programs with the universities and the local deaneries for teaching and mentoring undergraduate students and dental core trainees. As an STAC-approved trainer for conscious sedation, I am mentoring the regional trainees and delivering an annual study day in sedation through the local deanery study Day Programme. I am currently the FDS regional director for the south of England, leading all regional initiatives and representing and promoting the faculty within the region.

My priorities are to serve the members in issues such as standardising the accreditation for tier 2, attracting younger dentists to speciality through teaching and mentoring using primary healthcare settings and the independent sector, and widening and improving sedation training.

Andrew Elder

I have 15 years’ experience as a consultant in restorative dentistry and specialist in the restorative mono specialties, working in East Kent NHS Trust and private practice. I have established and developed a new restorative dentistry service. As clinical lead in a maxillofacial Department, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by my orthodontic, oral surgery and maxillofacial colleagues. Additionally, I have been chair of the Managed Clinical Network for Kent Surrey and Sussex and enjoy a close working relationship with colleagues in primary care through the Local Dental Committee.

For the past 18 months, I have served as National Lead Specialty Adviser for restorative dentistry, overseeing the review of new consultant posts and being RCS England representative on appointment panels.

I am passionate about joining the Faculty of Dentistry leadership team as a Board member. My objectives include helping to continue the modernisation of RCS England, ensuring it meets the needs of our diverse membership, upholding and advancing our standards of practice and care, and providing members with high-quality education and guidelines. I also embrace the celebration of career development successes upon the completion of examinations.

My extensive track record demonstrates my commitment to any role I undertake.

Sandeep Sunny Kaushal

If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I would focus on two areas which need addressing for the greater good of the public and the profession. One is to improve the standards of implant treatment and the second is to address the lack of information with regards to seeking cosmetic/dental implant treatments abroad. I feel that organisations such as the FDS should take a lead in addressing such issues.

We are seeing an increase in dental implant cases where corrective treatment is required due to sub-standard work. This can be costly and traumatic for the patient and the clinician. Poor training is evident with many of our colleagues venturing in to complex treatment provision with very little surgical/restorative training.

Patients with poor treatment they have received abroad is now all too common. Many are left in a poorer state with little chance of recourse. This can only be addressed through education and information. There is clearly a lack at this time.

I have been providing dental implant treatment for 28 years and I am currently a tutor/examiner on the RCS dental implant diploma. I am also the clinical director of HSDC London.

Thank you for your support.

Om Prakash Kharbanda

With over four decades of experience spanning clinical practice, academia, administration, and leadership, I bring a wealth of expertise to the table. I have previously served as the head at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (Delhi, India) and currently hold the position of Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Health Sciences at Ramaiah University (Bengaluru, India). I also have ongoing clinical and research affiliations with several international organisations that publish extensively in orthodontics, cleft care and community oral health.

Given the opportunity to serve as a member of the FDS Board, I will be committed to supporting the Faculty in achieving its strategic objectives and collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure excellence in clinical care. I aim to improve training and education by promoting and organising opportunities for hands-on experience with cutting-edge digital 3D technology, an essential component of modern dental care today. Additionally, I aim to encourage research initiatives and foster high-quality publications while promoting international and interdisciplinary collaborations.

I believe my extensive experience can make a meaningful contribution to the FDS, and I am eager to help expand the organisation's influence and impact within and beyond the UK.

Golfam Khoshkhounejad

I have been closely involved with the RCS England for years—first as an honorary lecturer, then as a Regional and now as the National Speciality Advisor for Orthodontics and an examiner for LDS and MFDS. Beyond my official roles, the College has always felt like home—a place of collaboration, learning, and growth.

I am an Orthodontic Consultant and Clinical Lead in my department at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. Leadership has been central to my career. My drive to step into leadership roles comes from a desire to create meaningful change. I am also committed to training the next generation of clinicians,having previously served as Training Programme Director for London and KSS Deanery and now as a member of the National Recruitment Steering Group.

Two issues drive my ambition: ensuring equal access to care and strengthening prevention efforts. Thousands of patients travel to London, while few are referred out—highlighting clear geographical disparities. Separately, the number of children needing general anaesthesia for dental extractions remains high, often due to preventable issues. I believe real progress is possible through collaboration and action. If honoured to be elected,I will dedicate myself to making a meaningful difference through the College.

Garry Mancini

I am a graduate of the University of Liverpool and have been a Fellow of the College since 1993 and a Member in Orthodontics since 1997.

My 30 years’ experience in primary care will assist the Board in strategies linking both primary and secondary care to enhance training and improve patient outcomes.

As an MFDS examiner and a member of the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors, I am particularly interested in promoting the Faculty both locally and internationally.

As well as the UK, I have been involved in examinations held in Egypt and more recently in MFDS examinations and promotional events in Malaysia.

I look forward to assisting in the continued success of the Faculty and if I am elected, will support the College and members to the best of my ability.

Saju Simon Manjooran

Specialist in Oral Surgery

Dear Colleagues ,

I have worked in secondary care, dental faculty(PT teaching) , community dental services , and primary care ( NHS & Private) jobs 31years ( 1993- to date) in UK . I have worked also in a dental faculty teaching job in oral surgery & OMFS in India(1989- 1992)after my postgraduate speciality training/MDS in OS & OMFS in India.

I was a SASLC committee board member of RCS Edinburgh , ADI-UK committee board member, LDC committee member of E&H&H branch in London , SAS regional lead tutor in oral surgery in HEE-NW, SAS Tutor of WPH/HEE-TV and SAS Tutor for Manchester Dental School as well as other hospital's SAS clinicians in MFT/HEE-NW.

These professional, academic , leadership & management experiences as well as being an overseas dentist who experienced conscious & unconscious biases many times in my professional work life in UK , along with my legal professional background, I believe, I will be in a better position in suggesting and guiding FDS while formulating strategies and goals for the future, by keeping fairness in mind for all , if I get elected.

Thank you

Saju Manjooran BDS, MDS (os & omfs), PG :Certi: Dental Implantology , FFDRCS oral surgery (Ire) ,FDSRCS( Edin) ,FDSRCS(Eng ), FInstLM (ILM ), D.Legal .Medicine ( FFL&M ), LLB(U.London).

Kim Piper

My key priorities if elected would be to deliver an inclusive approach to build a member and fellowship base which supported and nurtured dental professionals at all stages of their career trajectory. By delivering equality of opportunity, equity of assessment and building a culture of belonging to create networks, knowledge creation and skills development we will reflect the patients we serve and improve equitable oral healthcare. I will achieve my priorities using a data informed approach using both quantitative and qualitative data that is both available and commissioned to drive strategic change. I have significant experience at senior board and governance level within Universities and Health Education England in driving strategic change through connected and compassionate leadership. As Academic Director of Student Success for all 9 faculties at King's College London responsible for inclusive recruitment, education and student success alongside elected positions as Chair of Examiners for Oral Pathology for the Royal College of Pathologists, SAC roles for the RCS England,National recruitment roles for Health Education, Board membership for UCAT and a current Trainee program Director as a Consultant Oral Pathologist I have a full understanding of challenges and strategies to implement change across the life-cycle of our membership

Sandip Popat

Dentistry is evolving rapidly, presenting new and exciting opportunities for the FDS.

The Faculty plays a vital role in setting standards, and I believe my extensive experience, gained through multiple RCS England examinations and various college roles, enables me to contribute meaningfully to its strategic aims.

Since qualifying, I have been actively involved in the Faculty, serving in educational roles, as Regional and Specialty Advisor and examiner at MFDS, ORE, MRD, and ISFE levels. My involvement with the MRD examination spanned over a decade, including leading prosthodontics and supporting the transition to MPros.

Trained in both Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry, I now practise as a Consultant in both hospital and specialist practice. With this experience, I am eager to contribute to training and education at this pivotal time.

As Chair of the Clinical Excellence Network (CEN) for Cleft Restorative Dentistry, (which works nationally and internationally to optimise outcomes for cleft patients) I am driven by a commitment to raise standards.

My key priorities are to promote the highest standards in patient care by fostering collaboration, teamwork, and innovation. I would work closely with the various FDS committees to ensure the Faculty remains relevant, forward-thinking and influential in all aspects of dentistry.

Helen Rogers

Through my clinical practice and research, I see the impact of caries on children, families and our society daily. My ambition is to tackle the soaring rates of general anaesthetics required to manage this largely preventable condition, and if elected, I would strive to support the Faculty in their efforts to lobby for meaningful change.

I have a passion for clinical academia and recognise the current deficit in the academic workforce. I am dedicated to building capacity for future research, which I demonstrated through founding the first trainee-led oral health research collaborative (CONNECT) in 2017. If elected, I would engage with the Board to establish a long-term, deliverable plan to engage dentists in research early on in their careers.

Having followed a lengthy training pathway myself, I am particularly aware of the challenges facing those pursuing specialisation. As a previous trainee representative on this Board, I would continue to advocate for this community during this turbulent time of changing curricula and new examinations.

As a former Emerging Leaders Fellow, MFDS examiner and current Global Oral Health Committee member, my commitment to FDS is clear, and it would be a privilege to take the next step to serve on the Board.

Adrian Thorp

I have trained and worked in both primary (specialist practice and community dental services), secondary and academic institutions in Oral Surgery. This gives me a different perspective on understanding how training and service provision within primary care can amalgamate to produce the next generation of effective surgeons.

There is a greater need to enhance the training pathway for non-career grades and primary care practitioners to allow those who want to become specialists in a non-formal pathway, are able to do so. Emphasis must be placed on open access for speciality examinations to facilitate this. I would influence this.

I am current Clinical Director for Community Dental Services CIC, although not no own specialism, understand the need for a balanced approach when it comes to other specialisms like Special Care Dentistry and Paediatric Dentistry, and support these when required.

I am current Deputy Chair of the MFDS examination at the RCS England, from its inception when the two faculties split. Engagement with our new graduates is imperative to ensure we are able to influence and show the greatest of impact in the development of the next generation. I will continue to strive for the highest standards in these examinations.

Board Elections 2025

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