According to the society, Dental Protection is an important part of the MPS. Graham became the first dentist to lead the work of the wider organisation when he was appointed earlier in 2024.
Graham has spent the past four decades on the frontline of patient care, witnessing first-hand the challenges and opportunities in the practice. A former practice owner with a special interest in implants and major dental reconstruction work, Graham is also actively involved in postgraduate dental education. He was previously chair of the MPS Foundation.
Graham’s interview was published in Dental Protection’s Riskwise. Raj Rattan, Dental Protection's dental director, explained, “The aim of Riskwise is to help develop the knowledge base and thereby the clinical competence of our members.”
In the interview, Graham described what inspired him to become a dentist and how his education decisions as a foundation dentist paved the way for him to join a defence organisation for dental professionals and other healthcare professionals.
Graham said, “When I was a young dentist, my regional adviser at the time advised me to get more qualifications to get out of a rut. I had promised myself I would never do another exam in my life as I did not have a great time at university. But on his advice, I decided I would give it a go.
“I would not be where I am now if I had not taken his advice because my career took off from that one conversation. The way I can pay him back is by encouraging other people to do the same – strive to be the best they can be.”
He added, “MPS has a dual function to help members when problems arise and to help them reduce their risk. To me, education has always been the key to everything. We know there are many of our members who are at the top of their field who would be happy to help their colleagues improve their soft skills such as communication.
“My approach when people have asked me for mentoring and advice over the years, has been to see that as a joint venture. How we can work together and strive for improvement, because I am always learning too. I think that is one of the things I have learnt – the importance of effective communication and joint decision-making.”
Graham also discussed the most pressing issues in dentistry, and his priorities and vision for Dental Protection.