John Darby has a breadth of experience in general dental practice extending over 40 years, 31 of those as a practice owner.  In 1984 he became a foundation trainer for the first time, sparking his interest in training. He soon became a Foundation TPD, managing the Woolwich Scheme for several years, he later combined this with the Dental Tutor role, also at Woolwich.

In early 2003 he became Associate Dean in the Kent Surrey Sussex Deanery, as part of that role he was Course Director for the FGDP CDT Diploma, which he led for several years. More recently he has held the position of Postgraduate Dental Dean in the Thames Valley and Wessex Deanery. In that role he helped create the first Oral Health Practitioner apprenticeship, a rapidly growing and popular route for dental nurses to progress their careers. In the last year he has been successful working with Portsmouth Dental Academy to help secure Dental Authority Status there, leading the way for Portsmouth to become the first Dental School in the South East.