Root to Success

Episodes

Episode 1: In conversation with Professor Jason Leitch

In our very first Root to Success episode, Gemma and Mo sit down with Professor Jason Leitch, who tells us his journey from studying to be dentist to becoming the National Clinical Director of Scotland, and having been thrust upon centre stage for the country during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Episode 2 and 3: In conversation with Professor John Gibson

Professor John Gibson chats to Gemma and Mo about his beginnings to becoming a Professor of Medicine in Relation to Dentistry and Honorary Consultant in Oral Medicine at the University of Glasgow Dental School. John also reveals what lessons he learnt when starting early in the dental field and why everyone should be kind to each other no matter how you're feeling that day. In part two of Professor John Gibson's interview, Gemma and Mo ask about the work John, his family and others done to set up The Canmore Trust, in memory of his son Cameron.

Episode 4: In conversation with Phil Tomson, Senior Clinical Lecturer in restorative dentistry

Mo is joined with stand-in host, Shalini Kanagasingam, Specialist Endodontist, where both discuss with Phil Tomson what to expect in the Vital Pulp Therapy and Management of the Open Apex course at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, which took place on Friday 6 June 2025.

Episode 5: In conversation with Emma O’Keefe, Consultant in Dental Public Health and Lorenzo Iafrate, Specialty Trainee in Dental Public Health 

Gemma and Mo are joined by Emma O'Keefe and Lorenzo Lafrate to have a conversation about their dentistry beginnings and the topic of realistic dentistry.

Episode 6: In conversation with Thomas Lamont, Associate Postgraduate Dental Dean for dental work force development

Thomas Lamont shares with Gemma and Mo how inspiration from his dad led him to become a dentist, and what his role as the associate post-graduate dean for dental workforce for NHS Education for Scotland board involves.

Episode 7: In conversation with Gillian Leslie, Deputy Chief Dental Officer, GDP and practice owner, dentist with the Royal Navy

Gillian Leslie chats with Gemma and Mo about her career, including being the first ever female appointer to the Royal Marines, and the shared dentistry challenges everyone faces.

Episode 8: In conversation with Anas Sarwar, leader of the Scottish Labour Party

Gemma and Mo talk to Anas Sarwar MSP, who tells us his journey from studying dentistry at university, to then switching to the world of Scottish and UK politics.

Episode 9: In conversation with Sara Hurley, Non-executive Director at Surrey Heartlands ICB 

Gemma and Mo are joined with Sara Hurley, the former Chief Dental Officer for England for 2023. Sara speaks about how initial interest in her teeth from the age of twelve led to her having such a fulfilling career in dentistry.