Ian qualified from Edinburgh University in 1987, working in NHS general practice in the North-East. In 1990 he began exploring how his dental skills could meet the needs of the poorest communities in Africa, visiting several countries in West and East Africa delivering dental services and training. Ian and his wife Andie are founders of the Dental NGO Bridge2Aid and moved to Tanzania in 2002 with their young family.

Coming back to the UK in 2011, Ian now serves Dental Foundation training for NHS England - Directorate for Workforce, Training and Education Yorkshire and Humber as Training Programme Director JDFCT Scheme. In this capacity he has helped to innovate an awareness of Emotional Intelligence within the Dental Workplace, specifically supporting Foundation Dentists through teaching and coaching. Ian also works as a clinician and regional clinical director for Rodericks Dental Partners. He continues to visit Africa and work alongside other colleagues who are passionate to provide oral health services to the poor and marginalised communities here in the UK and Overseas. Ian and Andie have four children; Jake, Imani, Neema & Maisha.