Alan Clarke discusses his connection with US dentistry and what the Stateside Sessions series aims to bring UK dentists.
Let’s begin with your story – how did you find your way into dentistry, and what sparked your love for the US?
Well, my love for dentistry is a bit of a serendipitous tale. Growing up in Northern Ireland, I was always drawn to healthcare, but it wasn’t until I was much older that I realised dentistry was the perfect blend of art and science for me. I loved that it combined precision with creativity, and from that moment, I was hooked.
But my love for the US – that started much earlier, when I was a kid in the 90s. I remember watching films like Point Break and those Nancy Meyers movies, you know, the idyllic ones where life is filled with sunshine, surfing, and effortless style. The golden California coast, the laid-back vibe, it was the America I dreamt about. Being a 90s kid, these movies painted such a perfect picture of what America was all about – a place where dreams felt tangible, where there was room for reinvention
and adventure.
I was also drawn to the American culture of possibility. It wasn’t just the films; it was the idea that America was a land of opportunity. I remember flying to Washington DC when I was 18, meeting up with an American family I’d met the summer before, feeling all the nerves and excitement of travelling solo, then hailing a cab and making my way into New York to the lobby of the Waldorf Astoria to meet my parents! I felt brave but also so excited. That was my first taste of the US, and from there, it just felt natural to keep exploring.
Your experiences seem to have shaped your view of both dentistry and life. You’ve worked for a congressman on Capitol Hill, which is a fascinating starting point for anyone in healthcare. How did that experience influence your understanding of dentistry in the US?
That experience on Capitol Hill was honestly one of the most formative in my life. At the time, I was studying dentistry and had the opportunity to work for a congressman as part of the Washington Ireland Program. A lot of my classmates at dental school were puzzled as to why I’d be working in politics rather than focusing solely on dentistry, but I saw it as a chance to learn about the bigger picture. Healthcare doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it’s impacted by policy, politics, and public opinion. Seeing how decisions made in Washington shape industries and impact people’s lives really opened my eyes.
And in a way, it made me realise just how important the dentist-patient relationship is in shaping not only individual health but public policy too. The US has an undeniable influence on global healthcare practices, and that experience made me even more determined to be a part of this conversation.
You’ve had an impressive journey in American dentistry and you’ve been able to connect deeply with the culture of giving and teaching that’s so prevalent here. What do you think it is about the US that makes American dentists so generous with their time and knowledge?
It’s something I’ve always admired – how willing American dentists are to share what they know. There’s a generosity of spirit in US dentistry that I feel is unique. From the very beginning of my journey, I’ve been blown away by how open American dentists are when it comes to teaching and learning. They don’t hoard knowledge; they actively want to help others succeed. Learning at Spear in Arizona was really incredible for me, it really reshaped the way I approach treatment planning and cosmetic smile design.
Take my experience with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), where I served on their membership committee, for example. I’ve met some incredible people through that organisation, like Dr Andrea Clegg, who has become not only a dear friend but also a business partner. One year later I was present in her surgery, learning from Dr Thomas Nabors and Andrea, watching firsthand how smile are designed and created. American dentists don’t hold back – they truly want to see others succeed, and that sense of community and mentorship is something that is absolutely infectious.
Whether it’s at a lecture, a masterclass, or through one-on-one interactions, there’s this unwavering desire to support and uplift each other. And for me, that culture of generosity has been a huge part of why I’m so passionate about continuing to work with and learn from my American colleagues.
Speaking of mentorship and collaboration, you created Paste Presents – a global dental mastermind with dentists involved like Sam Saleh and Jon Marashi. What is the vision behind Paste Presents, and how will it grow and evolve?
Paste Presents is something I’m incredibly proud of. I knew we had to build something monumental, to build something that went beyond just technique and clinical excellence. It had to be more than that. We wanted to create a community – a global mastermind where dentists could not only learn advanced techniques but also to support and mentor each other in the business of dentistry behind it. All our attendees have a media presence, teach a course, have multiple companies or are really disrupting or pushing the boundaries in our field and so to have space for these individuals to be vulnerable and to share and learn has never been done!
Our first international event in Marrakech really set the stage for what Paste Presents is all about. Business deep diving at Richard Branson’s kasbah in the mountains, an epic Burning Man themed party in the desert and a charity partnership with Cocolab, it was special. There’s nothing quite like the energy that comes from an international group of dentists coming together to share ideas, exchange experiences, and challenge each other to be better. It’s an evolving movement, and I am excited for Vietnam 2025!
You’ve also partnered with Dr Andrea Clegg to create The Process, an innovative teaching academy. Can you tell us more about this and the approach you’re bringing to dental education?
The Process is something I am super excited about. It’s the result of a deep collaboration between Andrea and myself, and it’s our way of rethinking dental education in a way that’s creative, impactful, and relevant to the modern dentist. Based out of Soho House in the US, we wanted to create an educational experience that didn’t just focus on the clinical side of dentistry but also explored the art of dentistry – the storytelling, the branding, and the personal connections we build with our patients.
I am privileged to be able to work in both the US and the UK now and so its a really exciting time as I work to bridge that divide and bring both dental communities together in a really tangible way,
Through The Process, we aim to teach dentists not just how to be better clinicians, but how to be better at communicating with their patients, how to grow their practices, and how to truly build a brand that represents who they are as individuals.
Our courses are designed to provide a clear pathway for dentists to evolve from general dentistry into the world of cosmetic dentistry, with an emphasis on how to merge European design principles with the technical expertise and patient care that American dentistry is known for.
The beauty of The Process is that it’s not just about teaching skills – it’s about changing mindsets. We’re helping dentists realise that they have the power to shape their own narratives and their own practices.
Alan, as we finish up, what advice would you give to young dentists just starting out, particularly those who want to make an impact on the global stage?
AC: I’d say to young dentists: stay curious and stay open minded. The world is more connected than ever, and your journey as a dentist is going to be shaped by the people you meet, the lessons you learn, and the experiences you have – both locally and globally. Don’t limit yourself to what you know; embrace the opportunities to collaborate with others, to learn from different cultures, and to take your practice to places you never thought possible.
And most importantly, always lead with heart. Dentistry is about far more than just fixing teeth; it’s about making a lasting impact on people’s lives. Whether you’re treating a patient, mentoring a colleague, or creating a new educational platform, lead with compassion, empathy, and a sense of purpose. Your heart will always guide you toward the right path.
I truly believe that the future of dentistry lies in collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence. We’re only just beginning, and I can’t wait to see where the next generation of dentists will take it.
Tell us about the Stateside Sessions series, where you are interviewing American dentists to share insights with the UK on how dentistry works in the US and profiling the leading lights of American dentistry. What can we expect from this series, and how will it help bridge the gap between UK and US dentistry?
Stateside Sessions is something I’m incredibly excited about – it’s going to be a real game changer. The idea behind it is simple: to give the UK a closer look at the incredible diversity of US dentistry. Through these interviews, I’ll be speaking with some of the leading figures in American dentistry, as well as dentists at different stages of their careers, to get an authentic view of how the profession works across the pond. We’ll be exploring everything from the latest trends and clinical advancements to the cultural and business aspects of dentistry in the US.
What’s truly exciting is the opportunity to see how US dentists interact with the industry, from newly graduated professionals to industry titans. It’s fascinating to see the different approaches at various career stages and how these dentists carve their path – whether it’s through innovation, education, or entrepreneurship – and also to hear their stories because trust me they are wild!
We’re aiming to make this series not only informative but also incredibly fun! It will be a dynamic exchange of ideas, and we’ll be bringing UK dentists into a whole new world of possibilities. There’s so much we can learn from each other, and as we started planning this series, the excitement has been palpable. We’ll be profiling some of the most influential figures in American dentistry, and the knowledge and inspiration that will come from it will
be invaluable.
So, buckle up! This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where this series takes us as we open the doors to new perspectives and fresh ideas. It’s an exceptionally exciting time for both UK and US dentistry, and I’m honoured to be a part of it.
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