The University of Sheffield is proud to announce that Emma Bingham, Deputy Director for Education in the School of Clinical Dentistry and Programme Lead for the Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy, has been awarded the title of Professor, becoming the only person in the UK to hold a professorship in this field.
Emma鈥檚 achievement marks a milestone not just for her personally, but for the profession as a whole. 鈥淚t鈥檚 fantastic to have the title,鈥 Emma said, 鈥淏ut I wish there were others. There are so many people in our field who deserve this recognition. I hope this shows them it鈥檚 possible.
鈥淚鈥檝e had a lot of people help me get this far. I鈥檝e been taken under peoples wings as well as having the opportunity to observe some incredible work. It wouldn鈥檛 have been possible to get to this point without these people.鈥
Her journey to professorship was a two year process requiring significant additional responsibilities within the School and Faculty, including leadership roles in curriculum development, faculty committees, and student experience initiatives. She also undertook substantial external engagement, from examining for other programmes to contributing to national groups bidding for new training opportunities.
Emma鈥檚 path into dental education began after completing A Levels with a general interest in science and helping people. Initially training as a dental nurse, she was encouraged by her principal dentist to explore dental hygiene and dental therapy. She joined the University of Sheffield鈥檚 programme in 1999, then run by Charles Clifford Dental Hospital and graduated in 2001.
A few years later, she returned to Sheffield as a Clinical Tutor, balancing teaching with clinical practice before moving into education full time. She became Programme Lead in 2010, a role she still holds, overseeing a team of clinical teachers and professional services staff.
Emma鈥檚 passion lies in seeing her students grow from 鈥渞abbits in headlights鈥 in their first weeks to confident professionals ready to serve patients. 鈥淚 really enjoy seeing the students progress during their time at the School of Clinical Dentistry. Being a part of creating new dental professionals is really rewarding.鈥
Reflecting on her achievement, Emma added: 鈥淭his professorship is good news for the profession. It shows others that it鈥檚 possible. I鈥檝e been fortunate to have great mentors and opportunities, but it鈥檚 also taken more than 20 years of commitment. I鈥檓 proud, and I hope this inspires others to aim high.鈥
Outside of work, Emma enjoys family life with her husband, 14 year old son, two rabbits, and a dog, as well as trips to Disney World.
Congratulations Professor Emma Bingham!