I am delighted to send a very warm season’s greetings to all staff, students, alumni, partners and collaborators as we come to the end of 2025.
Message from the Executive Dean, Professor Michael Escudier.
As we draw 2025 to a close, I am filled with pride at the remarkable achievements of the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences. This year has been a testament to our collective commitment to excellence, innovation, and global impact. You will see a snap shot of those achievements below, but these are just some of what goes on in the faculty.
Advancing science and health: Our research has continued to break new ground and gain international and national attention, with fascinating studies such as how toothpaste made from hair can offer a sustainable and clinically effective way to protect and repair damaged teeth. Another study showed that successful root canal treatment can reduce risks of heart disease and diabetes—a powerful reminder of how oral health is inseparable from overall wellbeing. Similarly, our continued work on lab-grown teeth offers a potential way to repair teeth and a natural dental treatment alternative.
Sustainability and responsibility: King’s was ranked 9th in Europe and 16th globally for social and environmental sustainability, and our Faculty played a leading role in embedding sustainable healthcare education into our curriculum, and became the first dental school in the UK to be awarded Beacon Site Status. These achievements reflect our determination to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and to prepare our students for a future where sustainability is central to healthcare delivery.
Global partnerships and leadership: We strengthened our collaboration with the University of Hong Kong, expanding opportunities for joint research and innovation. The election of Professor Martyn Cobourne as Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at RCS England and Dr Rakhee Patel as the Deputy Chief Dental Officer, England, further highlights the leadership our colleagues bring to the profession worldwide.
Celebrating our people: From the success of PhD student Zhi Qin Tan at an international medical imaging conference, to the launch of a new internship programme for South London health and care professionals, we have seen our community thrive. These milestones remind us that our Faculty is not only advancing science but also nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Looking back, 2025 has been a year of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. Looking forward, we will continue to build on these foundations—ensuring that our Faculty remains at the forefront of discovery, education, and impact.
I extend my deepest gratitude to our staff, students, partners, and alumni. Together, we are shaping a healthier, more innovative future.
Professor Michael Escudier
Executive Dean
Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences
King’s College London