About
Stephen graduated from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne gaining his BDS with a Merit in Restorative Dentistry. Upon qualification he entered general practice in Liverpool where he undertook his year of Vocational Training (VT) in a busy 6 surgery predominantly NHS practice. He decided to continue in this practice as an associate dentist building up his knowledge and skills in restorative dentistry and 3 years later gained the position of lead dentist. At this time he was also appointed as a Vocational Trainer under the Mersey Deanery beginning his journey into postgraduate dental education and training. After 3 years as a postgraduate VT trainer, Stephen continued his interest in dental education when appointed Clinical Teaching Fellow at the University of Manchester, which he performed alongside his role as a general dental practitioner, now advancing his knowledge in aspects of private dental practice. After 9 years teaching on the undergraduate restorative clinic, Stephen was appointed Clinical Lecturer in Restorative Dentistry at the University of Liverpool.
Currently, his main teaching role is as the School of Dentistry's Undergraduate Component Lead for Prosthodontics and Endodontics as well as Year 3 Programme Lead. He has also played a major role in incorporating digital dentistry into the undergraduate curriculum and is keen to develop this further alongside the exciting field of haptics.
Now as a full time clinical academic with a thorough grounding in general practice, Stephen enjoys the balance between teaching whilst also undertaking scholarship activities. He is also excited to be actively involved in helping to shape the innovative Centennial Curriculum within the School of Dentistry.
As well as his role as a clinical lecturer, Stephen is also an experienced dental examiner having been an internal examiner in both Manchester and Liverpool Schools of Dentistry, current member of the School of Dentistry's OSCE Team as well as examiner for the Overseas Registration Examination having performed this role for over 10 years alongside an appointment as an LDS examiner.
As well as BDS, Stephen has also gained MJDF, a postgraduate certificate in restorative dentistry, SFHEA and is currently working towards his Masters in Academic Practice.
Research
Currently, Stephen's main area of active research is in Clinical Education Research (ClinEdR) focusing on simulation-based training, haptically enabled technologies and digital education. In addition, he is also interested in investigating the wider integration of the dental workforce, bridging the clinical transition gap and improving student confidence. He is also interested in developing student engagement and promoting student research activities.
Prizes or Honours
- SFHEA / ULTRA (Advance HE / University of Liverpool, 2025)
- PGDAP with Distinction (University of Liverpool, 2023)
- Learning, Teaching and Student Experience Award (University of Liverpool, 2024)
- Learning, Teaching and Student Experience Award (University of Liverpool, 2024)
- David Ellams Award for Outstanding Contribution (University of Liverpool, 2022)
- PGCAP with Distinction (University of Liverpool, 2021)
- Learning, Teaching and Student Experience Award (Faculty of Health and Life Sciences) (University of Liverpool, 2021)