Dr Jason Berry, BDS, MFGDP(UK), MSc, SFHEA, MDTFEd.

Profile

Having qualified at Bart’s and The London Dental School in 1987, I followed a career in general dental practice for nearly 25 years. In addition, I spent one day per week as a Senior Clinical Lecturer which has now evolved into a full-time position as Director of Undergraduate Dental Education, answering directly to the Dean of the Dental School.

I am responsible for liaising with tutors, students and administration staff to ensure that the correct curriculum teaching is delivered in a timely manner to all undergraduate BDS and BDS Oral Health students. Previously I was Head of Student Support within the Dental School, leading a team responsible for the well-being of all the undergraduate and postgraduate students, approximately 550 in total. Other roles have included Clinical Lead at the Barkantine Outreach Clinic which encompassed the smooth running of this ten-chair dental unit located near to Canary Wharf.

My additional current role as Head of Admissions and Recruitment for the School of Medicine and Dentistry. I am responsible for overseeing the admissions processes for our BDS, MBBS and BSc Oral Health undergraduate courses. I am part of a team responsible for the assessment of prospective undergraduate students before admission into the SMD, also participating in the organisation and execution of Open Days, Widening Participation events and the visiting of local schools to promote our medicine and dentistry as a career choice.

Working here at Queen Mary is exciting and eventful. It is a very forward-thinking organisation, full of opportunities. I enjoy working with people from such varied personal, academic and cultured backgrounds. Being with students who are always younger than myself (!), makes me feel younger – I love their enthusiasm for life.

Centre: Centre for Teaching and Innovation

Teaching

Main roles: Director of Undergraduate Dental Education; Clinical Senior Lecturer; Head of Admissions for the School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Additional roles: Senior Clinical Tutor involved primarily in the clinical supervision of 2nd, 3rd and 5th year students. Internal examiner for the BDS. Member of the Senior Academic Team within the IoD.

Elected member of the QMUL Senate which has primary responsibility for oversight of the academic activity of Queen Mary including, amongst other things, academic standards, academic freedom and research. Member of the Athena Swan team which is a national scheme that promoting gender equality throughout higher education and research. The IoD has recently received its silver award.

Actively involved in Widening Participation and Bridge the Gap schemes within QMUL. Also involved in SAMDA (Student Assisted Medical and Dental Applicants). An appraiser and mentor for junior staff members. Have achieved Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy SFHEA. Mental Health First Aider and promoter of mental health awareness. Examiner for the ORE (Overseas Registration Examination).

Research