Lesley qualified in dentistry from the University of Liverpool in 1982 and subsequently spent her clinical career in the Community Dental Services, providing care for priority groups of adult and child patients. As Clinical Director for the service in Merseyside in 2002, she was responsible for the development and delivery of a large clinical dental service, working in both community and hospital settings. During the 1990s Lesley's interest in dental public health developed and she moved from clinical services to the role of Consultant in dental public health in Merseyside in 2009.
In her current consultant role with Public Health England, she works with NHS England and local authorities in Cheshire and Merseyside, advising on oral health improvement and dental service development.
Lesley has led the Cheshire and Merseyside dementia friendly dentistry programme which commenced in 2014. Through partnership working with clinicians, local social care and the voluntary sector and through the development of resources, a dental practice development programme has been implemented. The programme was recognised nationally - winning the Alzheimer Society ‘partnership of the year ‘ award in 2016 and has since been adapted and used elsewhere across the North West and the rest of England.
