The Head of School and Professor of Oral Health Services at the School of Dental Sciences, Newcastle University, Dr Chris Vernazza’s main research interest is the application of health economics in oral health, an area in which he has published extensively and secured over £2million in funding. He has extensive experience working at the interface of policy and he has national roles in enabling primary care research in dentistry and is passionate about developing new talent in research. Dr Vernazza currently practises as a consultant in paediatric dentistry at Newcastle Dental Hospital and has teaching responsibilities across oral health undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. He holds leadership positions with groups including the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, British Society of Paediatric Dentistry, Alliance for a Cavity Free Future and Oral and Dental Research Trust.