Dentaid welcomes three new trustees to board
We’re pleased to announce three new additions to Dentaid The Dental Charity’s Board of Trustees. George Wright, Robert Blakemore and Ashley Watson all joined our organisation in the first half of 2025. They will all help to set our strategic priorities for the future, using their expertise to further Dentaid’s mission to make dental care more accessible to those who need it most.
George Wright trained as a dentist at the University of Sheffield and after completing foundation training, moved into general practice working in the NHS. He joined Dental Protection in 2016 and is now its deputy dental director.
Previously George held a number of roles including with his Local Dental Committee, as a Training Programme Director in Yorkshire and the Humber, Foundation Trainer and Chief Examiner at the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. In 2022 George was appointed to the non-executive board of The MPS Foundation. George said: “I am delighted to be joining the Dentaid team. It is an exciting time for the charity as we continue a period of growth to keep pace with demand from those most in need. I look forward to making an impact and contributing to the excellent work of the charity teams.”
After gaining an Economics degree at Exeter University, Robert Blakemore spent sixteen years flying as an airline pilot, eleven of those as a captain. In 2014, Robert changed careers to take over running Ecurie Bertelli, a leading classic car firm.
Robert brings extensive knowledge of aviation’s rigorous human factor and safety training combined with practical management experience of a complex business to Dentaid. Robert said: “I am delighted to be joining Dentaid and very excited about the opportunity to assist this superb charity.”
Ashley Watson has been a general dentist for more than 30 years and is now working part-time as an implant surgeon. He has run successful dental practices and latterly worked in a leadership role for a dental corporate.
During his career he has donated equipment, cycled over 3,000 miles, and volunteered in Ghana and Greece helping run dental clinics in high need areas for locals and refugees. Ashley said: “I have played a minor role in charity work in the past and realised a time in my life where I could perhaps formalise this endeavour and utilise my skill stack more effectively for good causes. I am looking forward to seeing such a successful, and worthwhile charity grow to meet the potential we all know it has.”
George, Robert and Ashley join our current trustees Crispin Keanie, Mark Inman, Fiona Ellwood and Sally Reading. We’d also like to say a big word of thanks to Richard Guyver, who stepped down as from our board of trustees earlier this year following more than a decade of service.