The chairman speaks

Thank you for agreeing to be interviewed for The Dentist. You appear to be a popular choice with registrants and the media as the new chair of the General Dental Council.

1. You have been dental Dean at Manchester as well as your current role as professor of orthodontics. What prompted you to become a dentist?

This was a long time ago! I was influenced by my mother who was a single parent and who ran her own physiotherapy practice. Her work made me interested in becoming someone who cared for people. I also liked doing practical tasks, for example, taking bikes to pieces. As a result, the combination of caring and practical work attracted me to this career.

2. With all the problems associated with the GDC recently what made you stand for chair and what are the main differences you hope to make?

It is interesting that you say that there are problems as this implies that we are not aware of any issues at the GDC and are not addressing them. We do have some challenges to face, and I believe we will overcome them. As to why I stood for the chair, I simply felt that it was time for me to 'step up' and try to help.