The Faculty of Dental Surgery is on the hunt for a new Dean

Published: 4 November 2019

Due to the forthcoming retirement of the current Dean, Professor Fraser McDonald, in October 2020, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is seeking nominations for the role of Dean of The Faculty of Dental Surgery.

The Dean is the elected head of the Dental Faculty, steering the direction and profile of the Faculty for the duration of his or her office. In convening the Dental Council and Executive body, the Dean ensures that the activities of the Faculty are aligned to its agreed strategy, both nationally and internationally. The role of the Dean is critical in influencing and working collaboratively with stakeholders, whilst representing the interests of the Faculty and the wider College.   

In addition, the Dean of the Dental Faculty is ex officio an Office-Bearer and trustee of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. As such, he or she will be expected to attend regular meetings of the College Council and to undertake and abide by the duties and requirements of a charity trustee.

External commitments will also include regular engagement with and attendance at a number of meetings of UK and international bodies.

The Dean and the rest of the Faculty Executive are advised and supported by the College CEO and relevant Executive Directors. Day-to-day administrative support is provided by a Faculty Manager and administrative team. 

The current Dean of Dental Faculty, Professor Fraser McDonald added:

"As Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery you will be primarily responsible for leading the Dental Council and its executive body in shaping the strategic direction of the Faculty. In addition, you will play an important role in the leadership of the wider College as a trustee of a major charity. This is a highly-demanding but rewarding role and one that I feel privileged to have been able to undertake. You will also need to work closely and effectively with a number of professional College staff, across a range of departments, as well as a range of external organisations and sister colleges, in ensuring delivery of the Faculty’s strategic aims. Our Faculty continues to grow in size and influence, with almost 7,000 members and fellows in over 100 countries across the globe.

A key aim of the Faculty is to engage with and support the whole dental team, including dental care professionals. In doing so the Faculty must continue to ensure that the principles of patient safety are upheld. The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh has an enviable reputation as “The Friendly College” and I hope that my successor will continue to support and uphold this important accolade.

I would commend the role of Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery to you and wish you the very best of luck in the election process."   

 

Election Process

Nominations are open to all past and present Members of the Dental Council who are in good standing with the College and have been elected by ballot of the Dental Fellowship and Membership. For those who wish to be nominated, they will need to secure signatures of support from two Fellows of the College in good standing, using the form attached at the bottom of this page. The completed form must be returned to the Secretary of the Faculty of Dental Surgery before Thursday 9 January 2020

The Dean is elected from amongst the valid nominees by a ballot of the Dental Council and he or she shall hold office for a period of three years.

For more information on eligibility and to nominate, download the form attached at the bottom of this page.