Ian graduated from Newcastle Upon Tyne in 1990 and moved to Nelson in Lancashire in 1991 where he has worked as an associate partner in a large mixed multidisciplinary practice. Previous non-clinical roles have included Dental Practice Advisor for NHS Lancashire, an NCAS clinical assessor, chairman of the East Lancashire LDC and an experienced Vocational Trainer/Education Supervisor. He has undertaken voluntary work on several occasions in Africa, predominantly with Bridge2Aid.