Summary
Dr. Fiona Sandom is a prominent British dental hygienist, therapist, educator, and leader known for her transformative contributions to dental therapy and dental education across the United Kingdom. Originating from Inverness, Scotland, she has developed a distinguished career combining clinical practice within the NHS with academic leadership, notably earning a PhD from Bangor University where she helped establish the dental hygiene programme. Her multifaceted roles include serving as the Dental Professional Support Unit Lead and North Wales Regional Lead for Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), positions through which she advances dental education, clinical excellence, and workforce development.
Dr. Sandom’s professional influence extends nationally through her leadership in the British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT), where she has served as President and Chair. Under her guidance, the association has made significant strides in raising the profile, recognition, and scope of practice for dental therapists in the UK, including initiatives to support legislative changes and skill-mix utilization in primary dental care. Her work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including two Oral and Dental Research Trust DCP Awards and an appointment as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2025 for services to dental therapy and the NHS in Wales.
In addition to her leadership and clinical roles, Dr. Sandom is a committed researcher and innovator in dental education and professional development. She has contributed to projects enhancing postgraduate training, educational resources, and quality assurance within the dental workforce, while promoting research engagement among Dental Care Professionals (DCPs). Her efforts to expand clinical duties and influence medicines legislation exemplify her dedication to improving patient care and workforce capability through evidence-based policy and education.
Dr. Fiona Sandom’s legacy is characterized by her pioneering work in elevating the dental therapy profession, fostering lifelong learning, and driving inclusive growth in dental education and practice. Her leadership and advocacy continue to shape dental care standards and professional opportunities in Wales and across the UK, making her a visionary figure in her field.
Early Life and Education
Fiona Sandom grew up in Inverness, Scotland, without a medical background in her family. Early in her life, she sought hands-on experience in healthcare through programs such as the “Doctor at Work” scheme, which provided her with invaluable exposure to clinical environments including theatres and wards. This experience helped confirm her interest and commitment to a career in the medical field.
She qualified as a Dental Hygienist from Manchester Dental Hospital in 1993 and later as a Dental Therapist from Liverpool University Dental Hospital in 1999. Furthering her education, Fiona completed a qualification in Medical Education at Cardiff University in 2013, reflecting her commitment to advancing her expertise beyond clinical practice.
In 2023, Fiona earned her PhD at Bangor University, where she played a key role in establishing the dental hygiene programme. Her academic achievements have been complemented by various professional fellowships, including being a Fellow of the College of General Dentistry and an Associate Fellow of the Faculty of Dental Trainers at the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh.
Professional Career
Dr Fiona Sandom has built a distinguished career as a dental hygienist, therapist, educator, and leader within the dental profession. Clinically, she continues to work within an NHS practice, providing essential dental care while also holding key educational roles across Wales.
She serves as a Subject Specialist at the All Wales Faculty for Dental Care Professionals at Bangor University and acts as Lead Dental Educator for Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW). In her current capacity, she holds dual leadership positions as the Dental Professional Support Unit (DPSU) Lead and the North Wales Regional Lead for HEIW, responsible for supporting and advancing dental education and clinical excellence across the region.
Dr Sandom’s professional influence extends into national leadership within the British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT), where she has served as both President and Chair. Her tenure was marked by pivotal efforts to elevate the profile and recognition of dental therapists throughout the United Kingdom. She has been deeply involved in education, policy development, and clinical standard-setting, contributing to the advancement of the profession on multiple fronts.
Her commitment to research and professional development is demonstrated through her receipt of two Oral and Dental Research Trust DCP Awards in 2013 and 2015. She has actively contributed to research proposals, such as evaluating the learning needs of Dental Care Professionals (DCPs) to support the extension of their clinical duties, and worked on legislative matters, including the use of exemptions in medicines legislation by dental hygienists and therapists across the UK.
Dr Sandom is also recognized as an Associate Fellow of the Faculty of Dental Trainers and a Fellow of the Dental Trainer Faculty of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, reflecting her dedication to dental education and mentorship.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to dental therapy and the National Health Service (NHS) in Wales, Dr Fiona Sandom was appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025. This prestigious award highlights her exceptional impact on the dental profession and healthcare delivery in Wales.
Research and Innovations
Dr. Fiona Sandom has made significant contributions to dental education and professional development through her research and innovative initiatives. As a Project Specialist for the All-Wales Faculty of Dental Care Professionals, she has been actively involved in advancing research outputs and projects aimed at improving dental care and education standards across Wales. She also plays a key role in supporting the Dental Postgraduate Section, which provides postgraduate education and training for the entire dental workforce, including dentists and Dental Care Professionals (DCPs), ensuring that these programs are underpinned by rigorous educational research and quality assurance.
One of Dr. Sandom’s notable innovations includes her work on the proposal for the use of exemptions in medicines legislation for dental hygienists and dental therapists across the United Kingdom. This initiative aims to expand the scope of practice for these professionals, enhancing patient care through more effective skill-mix utilization in primary dental care. Additionally, she contributes to the development and dissemination of educational resources and training through her leadership roles.
Dr. Sandom’s leadership extends to her position as the Dental Professional Support Unit (DPSU) Lead and North Wales Regional Lead for Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), where she fosters innovation and professional support systems that improve lifelong learning and development within the dental community. Her commitment to advancing dental research is further demonstrated by her involvement in initiatives such as the Colgate DCP Research Awards, which encourage Dental Care Professionals to engage in research and develop expertise in research methodology. Through these combined efforts, Dr. Sandom continues to drive progress in dental education, clinical practice, and health policy innovation.
Public Engagement and Outreach
Dr. Fiona Sandom has been actively involved in public engagement and outreach within the dental profession, particularly focusing on the advancement and education of dental care professionals across Wales. As President of the British Association of Dental Therapists, she plays a key role in supporting postgraduate education and training for the entire dental workforce, including dentists and dental care professionals (DCPs). This involves dental foundation training, dental specialty training, and continuing professional development (CPD), all underpinned by rigorous educational research and quality assurance to ensure high standards in patient care.
In addition to her leadership roles, Dr. Sandom contributes to the dissemination of knowledge and best practices through recorded webinars addressing critical topics such as skill-mix utilization in primary dental care and legislative requirements for direct access by dental hygienists and therapists. Her engagement extends into collaborative efforts with academic and professional bodies, including her work with the Wales Deanery and Bangor University, emphasizing dental therapy, skill mix, and education.
Through these multifaceted activities, Dr. Sandom fosters greater awareness, understanding, and implementation of innovative dental care strategies, thereby enhancing professional development opportunities and ultimately improving patient outcomes across the dental sector in Wales and beyond.
Legacy and Influence
Dr. Fiona Sandom has established herself as a transformative figure in the field of dental therapy across the United Kingdom. Her leadership and dedication have been pivotal in advancing both the role and recognition of dental therapists, significantly shaping the profession’s development and public perception. Through her extensive work in education, policy development, and clinical excellence, Dr. Sandom has inspired dental professionals nationwide and contributed to raising standards within the dental workforce.
In her current roles as the Dental Professional Support Unit (DPSU) Lead and North Wales Regional Lead for Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), Dr. Sandom continues to influence dental education and training, ensuring high-quality support for dental therapists and care professionals. As President of the British Association of Dental Therapists, she has championed postgraduate education and continuing professional development, helping to foster a skilled and well-supported dental workforce in Wales and beyond.
Dr. Sandom’s commitment to educational research and quality assurance underpins the training programs she leads, contributing to the advancement of care standards for patients and the professional growth of dental practitioners. Her legacy is marked by a sustained effort to improve dental therapy as a profession, promoting lifelong learning and inclusive growth within the dental community.
The content is provided by Jordan Fields, Lifelong Health Tips
