Ian Mills, a partner at Torrington Dental Practice and a dental National Institute for Health Research Academic Clinical Fellow (NIHR ACF) at Plymouth University Peninsula School of Dentistry, has been made Vice-Dean at the Faculty of Dental General Practice (FGDP (UK).
Ian was appointed in 2010 as the first Academic Clinical Fellow (ACF) at Peninsula Dental School (now Plymouth University Peninsula School of Dentistry) and is one of a handful of pioneering NIHR ACFs in General Dental Practice in the UK.
He qualified from Glasgow in 1987 and spent a number of years in oral and maxillofacial surgery before moving to Torrington in Devon to set up his own practice in 1997. He joined the Peninsula Dental School in 2008 as a Clinical Supervisor and Year 3 Facilitator prior to his appointment as an Academic Clinical Fellow in 2010.
Ian was awarded Fellowship of the Faculty in 2012, and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy in 2015. As part of his role as an Academic Clinical Fellow Ian has been undertaking a part-time PhD. He is due to submit his doctoral thesis later this year which explores the delivery of person-centred care in general dental practice.
In his new role, Ian is the second most senior member of the FGDP (UK) Board and will play a key part in shaping its direction and decision-making.
Speaking of his appointment, Ian said: “This is a huge honour and I am grateful to the Faculty for the opportunity. The dental profession faces many challenges at the present time and FGDP (UK) has an important role in shaping the future of dentistry. I am looking forward to working with colleagues across the UK and supporting our Dean, Mick Horton,”
Professor Christopher Tredwin, Head of Plymouth University Peninsula School of Dentistry, added:
“We are delighted for Ian – this is such a well-deserved appointment. Ian’s contribution to our development as a school has been invaluable and I am sure he will bring his wide expertise, experience and sage advice to his new role.”