Personal Statement
I am a Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Oral Surgery at the University of Liverpool, with a career that integrates clinical practice, educational leadership, and research. My work is driven by a commitment to improving patient outcomes, advancing oral surgery education, and enhancing the quality and safety of dental care. I hold a BDS and have been awarded MFDS RCS(Ed), MOral Surg RCS(Ed), FDS RCS(Ed), MFDT RCS(Ed), SFHEA, and a Diploma in Legal Medicine (DLM).

My academic interests span oral surgery, dental education, patient safety, and healthcare innovation. As the lead for medical emergencies education within the School of Dentistry, I have developed and delivered simulation-based teaching and training that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to manage medical emergencies in dental practice. I have a particular interest in the development of non-technical skills, including communication, leadership, teamwork, and situational awareness, which are fundamental to safe and effective patient care.

As the School's OSCE Lead, I provide strategic oversight for the design, delivery, and quality assurance of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations across the dental curriculum. This role has enabled me to contribute to the development of authentic, reliable, and educationally meaningful assessment processes that support student learning while ensuring graduates meet the professional standards required for contemporary dental practice. My educational leadership is underpinned by evidence-based approaches to teaching, assessment, and curriculum design, and I am committed to fostering engaging and inclusive learning environments.

I am currently undertaking a PhD focused on care pathways for children requiring dental treatment under general anaesthesia (DGA). My research seeks to better understand the factors influencing treatment outcomes and repeat DGA, with the aim of developing evidence-based interventions that reduce the need for subsequent general anaesthetics and improve long-term oral health outcomes. This work reflects my broader interest in healthcare quality improvement, service redesign, and reducing inequalities in access to dental care. In parallel, I have developed a growing research interest in teledentistry and the potential of digital technologies to enhance patient assessment, streamline referral pathways, improve access to specialist services, and support more efficient models of care delivery.

Alongside my research and teaching activities, I maintain an active clinical role as an Honorary Consultant in Oral Surgery. The integration of clinical practice, research, and education enables me to ensure that my academic work remains grounded in contemporary healthcare challenges and directly relevant to patient care. I have contributed to curriculum innovation, faculty development, and mentorship, supporting students, trainees, and colleagues in their professional and academic development.

My overarching ambition is to contribute to the advancement of oral surgery and dental education through impactful research, educational scholarship, and collaborative leadership. By developing innovative approaches to patient care, assessment, and learning, I aim to improve patient outcomes, enhance educational practice, and contribute to the evidence base that informs the future delivery of dental healthcare.

Research Overview
Sarah is currently undertaking a Phd which aims to explore the pathways that chilren who require dental treatment under a General Anaesthetic take