Board of trustees

Our Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Oral Health Foundation.

Together, they guide our direction, ensure good governance and help us maximise our impact in improving oral health and quality of life.

Trustees serve voluntarily and bring a wide range of professional expertise from across health, education, industry and public service. They support decision-making, review progress and help shape our policies and priorities.

Meet our current Trustees

Professor Tim Newton: President

Professor Tim Newton is Professor of Psychology as Applied to Dentistry at King’s College London and an Honorary Consultant Health Psychologist within the NHS. With over 25 years’ experience, he brings expertise in behaviour change, patient support and public health to the Oral Health Foundation’s leadership.

Dr Ben Atkins

Dr Ben Atkins is a general dental practitioner and a former President of the Oral Health Foundation. He brings extensive clinical experience, policy insight and media expertise, with a strong focus on patient education, access to care and public engagement.

Dr Fiona Sandom

Dr Fiona Sandom works part-time in NHS practice and is a regional education lead with Health Education and Improvement Wales. As a clinician, educator and researcher, she brings deep expertise in workforce development, education and evidence-based care.

Cathie Brady

Cathie Brady is Director and Chief Clinical Officer at Rodericks Dental. With senior responsibility for governance, strategy and clinical leadership, she brings valuable insight into delivering high-quality dental care at scale and developing the future dental workforce.

She is also our new president-elect.

Soha Dattani

Soha Dattani is Head of Scientific Engagement EMEA at Johnson & Johnson and a qualified periodontist. She brings a strong combination of clinical expertise and industry experience, supporting the Oral Health Foundation’s work in science-led education and public understanding.

Andrew Hay

Andrew Hay is Head of Operations for the GC Team at The Co-op. With experience across operations, organisational development and equality leadership, he brings people-focused insight and large-scale operational expertise to the Board.

Georgios Tsakos

Professor Georgios Tsakos is Professor of Dental Public Health at UCL and an Honorary Consultant with the NHS and the Department of Health and Social Care. An international leader in oral health inequalities, he brings deep public health, research and policy expertise.

Avijit Banerjee

Professor Avijit Banerjee is Professor of Cariology and Operative Dentistry at King’s College London and Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. He brings world-leading academic, clinical and policy expertise.

Gemma Barker

Gemma Barker is Managing Director of Barker PR, a specialist healthcare communications agency. With over 20 years’ experience in dentistry and healthcare, she brings expertise in reputation management, education-led campaigns and stakeholder engagement.

Jason Bunce

Jason Bunce is a former senior supply chain leader, having spent 30 years at Colgate-Palmolive in international leadership roles. With a background in science, analytics and digital transformation, he brings strong strategic and governance expertise.

Ian Waller

Ian Waller is Chief Technology Officer at Millbrook Healthcare and former CIO for Bupa Dental and Cromwell Hospital. With a career in digital leadership across multiple sectors, he brings technology, data and customer-focused insight to the Board.

Latest

Key opinion leaders reach an evidence-based consensus on mouthwash use

A panel of leading dental experts has agreed an evidence-based consensus statement on the role of mouthwash as part of maintaining good oral health between dental appointments.
Oral Health: From Treatment to Prevention

This landmark report reflects on five decades of progress in oral health and looks ahead to the future of dentistry, prevention and public health in the UK.
Smile Month Prevention Pledge

Sign our Smile Month Prevention Pledge, to call for a healthier, fairer and more prevention-focused future.
Smile Month launches 50th campaign with nationwide Wall of Smiles celebration

The Oral Health Foundation is inviting people across the UK to share their smile and become part of a nationwide “Wall of Smiles” as Smile Month officially launches its 50th campaign today.

What we do

For more than 50 years, we have provided expert, impartial and evidence-based advice to the people who need it most.
Strategy to 2030

Our Strategy to 2030 explains how we will improve oral health and reduce inequalities across the UK. It focuses on three areas: People, Partners, and Policy.
Annual review

This Impact Report gives you a brief overview about some of our activities and achievements in improving the oral health and wellbeing of those in need, over the past year.
Our team

Look who makes up the Oral Health Foundation's close, friendly and talented team. Our group delivers programmes and campaigns that help people achieve great oral health.
History and milestones

The Oral Health Foundation has been working to improve oral health for more than 50 years but what were our origins and how did we become the charity we are today?
Coalitions and groups

Have a look at some of the coalitions and groups the Oral Health Foundation is proud to be involved with.

What to do after a tooth extraction

General advice about what to do after having teeth taken out. Includes what precautions you should take and things to avoid.
Burning mouth syndrome

Burning Mouth Syndrome can be an extremely uncomfortable condition which can have several potential causes.
Mouth ulcers

Usually red or yellow in colour, mouth ulcers are painful sores that can appear inside the mouth and also on the outer lips.
Geographic tongue

Geographic tongue is a common condition which can appear on the top and sides of the tongue, and sometimes on the under-surface.
How to spot mouth cancer

How much do you know about the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer? By being Mouthaware you can make a difference in the fight against mouth cancer.
Wisdom teeth

The wisdom teeth are the last to appear, right at the back of the mouth, often between 17 and 25 but sometime many years later.
Jaw problems and headaches

Learn about jaw issues, their causes, and treatments. Find out how bite problems impact teeth, gums, TMJ, muscles, and lead to headaches.
Cracked teeth

There are several ways in which your tooth can crack or break and it is important that you get it seen to as soon as possible.
Gum disease

Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontal disease) is swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth.
Lichen planus

Lichen planus is a disease which can affect the mouth and other areas of the body. Symptoms include white patches on the inside of the cheeks.