Professor William Saunders

Emeritus Professor of Endodontology at the University of Dundee

Appointed in January 2000 having previously been in the Royal Air Force (1970-75), general dental practice (1975-81) and a lecturer in Conservative Dentistry at Dundee Dental School (1981-88). Appointed to a senior lectureship in Glasgow Dental School in 1988 and promoted to a Personal Chair in Clinical Dental Practice in 1993. Appointed to the first Chair of Endodontology in the UK in 1995.

Dean of Dental Faculty, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh 2014-2017

Dean and Head of Department, School of Dentistry, University of Dundee 2000-11

Chair Dental Schools Council 2008-11

Chair Speciality Advisory Board in Restorative Dentistry, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh 2005-12

Council Member, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh1999-2009, 2011-2014

Member – RAE Dentistry panel 2001/2008 (elected Vice Chair)

President - Association of Teachers of Conservative Dentistry 2002-04

Chairman - Association of Consultants and Specialists in Restorative Dentistry 1999-2002

I was the first clinical academic to undertake formal higher (specialist) training in Restorative Dentistry

Extensive experience of teaching undergraduates and postgraduates including continuing education courses for general dental practitioners and specialty trainees.

I had a busy clinical practice, treating patients with restorative dental problems, especially endodontics.

I was awarded an honorary FRCSEd in 2018.  This is the highest accolade The Royal College of Surgeons can confer and was given in recognition of the contribution I have made to that organisation.

I was the recipient of the inaugural Scottish Dental Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.

I was awarded a DSc (hc) in 2011 from the University of Aberdeen in recognition of the work I undertook to open a new dental school in Aberdeen at the behest of Scottish Government.  This was a joint venture between the University of Dundee and the University of Aberdeen. 

I was a Scientific Adviser for a major manufacturer of endodontic equipment for 10 years.