Alan graduated as a dentist in 1972 and gained an MSc through postgraduate research in 1983. He has also supervised postgraduate research and has attended many postgraduate courses and travelled widely in order to develop knowledge and practical skills. He has practiced dentistry for 30 years and has lectured and given presentations in over 20 countries to dental nurses, dentists, academic institutions and dental companies. He also owns a group of dental practices and a commercial dental laboratory. He has been actively involved within the dental industry for over 15 years and has designed and developed a number of successful products for which he has won several prestigious awards.