The ITI operates through a global network of Sections that bring professional development opportunities to members in their local regions. Each Section is guided by a dedicated Leadership Team responsible for implementing the ITI’s educational initiatives, fostering community engagement, and promoting excellence in implant dentistry.
In this new feature, the ITI Blog takes a 360° look at both the personal and professional lives of the dedicated leadership teams who drive the ITI’s mission in their respective regions. We’ll explore their professional journeys, their motivations for joining the ITI, and gain insights into the people behind the titles.
The ITI UK and Ireland section continues to set the standard for implant education and professional development across the region. Their commitment to excellence was recently recognized with the Best Education Program Award, celebrating their innovative programs that create real impact and reach throughout their community. We sat down with the dynamic leadership team to learn about their motivations, achievements, and vision for the future of implant dentistry.
Leadership Insights: Q&A with the UK & Ireland Section Team
In this issue, we interview Dr. Rajan Patel (Chair), Dr. Andrew Legg (Education Delegate), Dr. Tim Harris (Study Club Coordinator), and Dr. Matthew Brennand Roper (Communications Officer / Young ITI Delegate)
What inspired you to join the Section Leadership Team?
Dr. Rajan Patel (Chairman): My passion for advancing dental implantology and commitment to continuous learning inspired me to join. The ITI’s dedication to evidence-based practices and fostering a global community resonated with my values. Being part of this prestigious organization allows me to collaborate with leading experts and contribute to educating upcoming dentists.
Dr. Rajan Patel, Chairman
Educational Background: BDS, MFDRCSIrel, Pg Dip Implants, MA (Medical Law), FCG Dent
Current Position: Honorary Lecturer University of Bristol and Private Practice with specialisation in surgical dentistry and implantology
Professional Experience: 20 years of professional experience in surgical dentistry and implantology
ITI Involvement: Member since 2006/7; Communications Officer 2018-2022; Chairman for 3 years; helped launch initiatives like the nurse/hygiene groups
Fun Fact: Enjoys being a frustrated golfer!
Andrew Legg (Education Delegate): Already heavily involved in implant education, I was keen to try and spread the ITI philosophy across more dentists and course providers in an attempt to standardize education in the UK.
Dr. Tim Harris (Study Club Coordinator): I was inspired to take on the role after being made a Fellow in 2016 and wanting to give back to a community that has given me so much to date.
Dr. Matthew Brennand Roper (Communications Officer / Young ITI Delegate): Having been with the ITI since 2012 as a postgraduate Masters student, I progressed through the Young ITI committee before being elected to the current leadership team in 2022. The opportunity to contribute to the organization that supported my development was compelling.
What project or initiative with the ITI are you most proud of?
Rajan: I am proud of the development of the MasterTALKs series in our section, bringing leading experts to educate dentists at a Complex level of education. I am also part of the development of our new local section website which helped us launch our recent national congress for which we were awarded best educational program in Paris 2025.
Andrew: Heading up the team that put together our National Congress was both stressful and incredibly rewarding. Alongside this we have run a Master Talk initiative which provided complex level education while raising further funds that allowed investment in better education for our members.
Andrew Legg, Education Delegate
Educational Background: BDS, MFDS RCS Ed
Current Position: Implant Dentist at the Campbell Clinic (Nottingham) and Faculty Member at The Campbell Academy (Nottingham)
Professional Experience: 25 years of professional experience specialising in dental implants – surgery and prosthodontics
ITI Involvement: Originally joined 2009, became more active in 2011; Former Study Club Director (Nottingham); Education Delegate for 3 years
Fun Fact: Loves baking sourdough bread!!!
Tim: We as a leadership team are proud to have grown a membership base, engaged more members with their local study clubs and driven the section forward in delivering outstanding education to those seeking progression and development in their careers.
Matthew: I was proud to have been a part of the first ITI consensus on zygomatic implants, having been first author of the third group examining the long-term outcomes for zygomatic implants.
What’s one professional challenge the ITI has helped you overcome?
Rajan: My positions within the ITI have helped with communication and leadership in the roles I have served, which have helped educate my patients on the provision of dental implants, teaching dentists about implants and overseeing the management of teams in daily practice.
Andrew: Speaking! The ITI has encouraged and helped train me as a speaker culminating in speaking at National Congress in 2019.
Tim: Re-engaging the dental community with face-to-face education following COVID-19 has been challenging for all sections. However, this challenge also presented an opportunity to change how we educate and build communities, embracing technology and rethinking our previous approaches to dental education.
What advice would you give to professionals considering involvement with the ITI?
Rajan: Embrace continuous learning – the ITI promotes evidence-based practices and keeps you at the forefront of dental implantology. You’ll have access to the latest research, techniques, and innovations. Engage with the community by attending conferences and participating in study clubs. Collaborating with experts provides valuable insights and enhances professional development.
Andrew: There is simply no downside – there is such a huge friendly community that will give you the platform to develop and progress through your career from a beginner to a fellow and beyond whilst having access to unrivalled education resource. Join now and get involved!!
Tim: The ITI has provided so many opportunities and experiences that we would not have had without the community spirit and teamwork that fosters.
Tim, Study Club Coordinator
Educational Background: MSc in Dental Implantology, membership of the Royal College of Surgeons, FHEA
Current Position: Joint owner of a large general and referral practice in Bath; practice limited to oral surgery and dental implantology; teaches on University of Bristol Dental Implantology program for 10 years
Professional Experience: Qualified 2002; early career in hospital developing surgical and communication skills; split time between hospital and private practice since 2008
ITI Involvement: Member since 2010; Former Study Club Director for two different clubs; Fellow since 2016; Study Club Coordinator since 2022
Fun Fact: Bath Rugby season ticket holder and keen golfer with a young family of two children
Which ITI core values do you most strongly identify with and why?
Tim: Honesty – We share this core value with the team at Circus Dental and underpins all that we do to make a positive impact for our patients and our local community.
Matthew: The commitment to evidence-based practice resonates deeply with my work as both a clinician and examiner for the Intercollegiate Specialty Fellowship examination in Restorative Dentistry.
Matthew, Leadership Team Member
Educational Background: Postgraduate clinical training with 13 years of experience
Current Position: Consultant in Restorative Dentistry and Specialist in Prosthodontics; leads the department for hypodontia, developmental deformities and cleft at Bristol Dental Hospital; provides oral rehabilitations and implants for head and neck cancer patients
Professional Experience: Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh; examiner for the Intercollegiate Specialty Fellowship examination in Restorative Dentistry; first author on zygomatic implant outcomes research
ITI Involvement: Member since 2012 as postgraduate Masters student; served on UK and Ireland Young ITI committee and first Global Young ITI committee; elected to leadership team in 2022; contributed to first ITI consensus on zygomatic implants
Fun Fact: Loves sailing and biking in the mountains
Share something interesting about yourself outside your professional life.
Rajan: I enjoy being a frustrated golfer!
Andrew: I love baking sourdough bread!!!
Tim: Outside of dentistry, I have a young family with two children and I love my sport. A Bath Rugby season ticket holder and keen golfer, I am always ready for a chat about nearly any sport!
The UK & Ireland leadership team exemplifies the ITI’s commitment to excellence in implant dentistry through education, research, and community building. Their diverse backgrounds and shared passion for advancement in the field continue to drive the Section’s growth and impact across the region.
Stay tuned for our next Section Spotlight, where we’ll introduce you to more of the remarkable professionals who make the ITI the world’s largest academic organization in implant dentistry.
