Janet Clarkson

Professor Janet Clarkson holds the Chair of Clinical Effectiveness in the School of Dentistry at the University of Dundee. She is Director of the Effective Dental Practice Programme and Co-Director of the Dental Health Services Research Unit (DHSRU). Her research focuses on dental clinical effectiveness, knowledge translation, and the implementation of evidence-based practices in primary care. She leads the Scottish Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SCCEP) and the Scottish Dental Practice-Based Research Network (SDPBRN).

Clarkson completed her dental degree at Newcastle University (1984) and a PhD at Manchester University (1994). She has secured over £10M in research funding and manages a multidisciplinary team of researchers and administrators. Her work has influenced Scotland’s dental policy, NICE/SIGN guidelines, and international dental education.

Research Highlights:

• Principal Investigator of landmark trials including the INTERVAL Dental Recalls Trial.
• Founded the Cochrane Oral Health Group and is its Joint Co-ordinating Editor.
• Developed the TRiaDS programme to advance late-phase translational research in dentistry.

Awards & Recognition:

• Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (2023)
• Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences (2023)
• Trendley Dean Award (2013)

Teaching & Collaboration: Clarkson teaches evidence-based dentistry globally, including courses at Harvard and NYU. She collaborates with institutions worldwide, integrating statisticians, psychologists, and clinicians to advance dental research.