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Clinical academic dentists advance oral health by integrating patient care, research and education, driving innovation and evidence-based practice.
By leading cutting-edge research, they ensure patients receive the best possible treatment and prevention strategies. Teaching by active researchers exposes students and trainees to world-class dental science, inspiring the next generation of dentists. Through their work, dental clinical academics shape the future of oral health and drive innovation both nationally and internationally.

Dental clinical academic training pathway

There is no single route to becoming a clinical academic. While some organisations offer structured schemes, many clinical academics follow more informal, individual routes. This diagram illustrates possible career paths but it is intended as a guide rather than a definitive roadmap.

Flexible entry routes into clinical academic medicine

Clinical academic medicine strongly values diverse experiences and career paths, actively supporting mechanisms to enter, return to, or increase research activity at various career stages.
A dimly lit lecture hall with students seated in rows, one in focus taking notes. A speaker stands near a projection screen displaying diagrams.

Leadership development for senior dental academics

Senior academic roles offer opportunities to lead research, teach the next generation and shape the future of dentistry.

Dental educator academics

Stepping into dental education is a way to combine clinical practice with teaching and training the next generation of dental professionals.

Explore inspiring career stories from clinical academics

Learn about the career journeys of current clinical academics and the variety of roles they hold. Their stories highlight the many paths through clinical academia and the impact of this work.