William McLean: Meet the Council

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Posted by: Dental Design 20th January 2024

William McLean is President Elect of the British Endodontic Society (BES) and Chair of the IFEA World Endodontic Congress (WEC) 2024. He discusses his career, and his experience of the society.

When I reflect on my varied career, I’d say I’ve had a winding journey. I left dental school and completed a house job in oral surgery. Following this, I pursued a PhD in Craniofacial Developmental Biology the work for which was carried out at Harvard Medical School in the United States. Following this I took up a position as a Lecturer in Developmental Biology. During this time, I taught undergraduate medical and dental students, which reignited my passion for dentistry.

I then moved to a position working as a GDP, where I witnessed the struggles of the population which sparked my passion for endodontics.

Having worked in a dental practice, I missed the opportunities I once had for research and teaching and began to seek these out once more. I have met some fantastic people in my academic career and, as part of IFEA, I have recently been awarded Chair of WEC 2024 in Glasgow.

The comradery that’s been offered throughout my journey has made my career special. I am constantly surrounded by friends, and it just so happens that they are my colleagues as well.

William has much experience working within the BES, he shares his journey as a council member and member of the BES.

Within the BES, I started as a council member, then took on the role of treasurer. I am now President Elect of the BES and will be President in the year of the WEC which is exciting. Our past presidents and current president are fantastic, and I have big shoes to fill when my time comes.

I would say that the main benefit of being a part of the Society is meeting like-minded people and sharing conversation with other members. This is incredibly valuable in our profession.

William discusses his hobbies and family life.

Outside of work, much of my time is taken up by my two very busy children, who canoe competitively. Other than this, I very much enjoy cycling and open water swimming.