Dr Alex Cresswell-Boyes

Alex joined the University of Plymouth in 2023 as a Lecturer in Oral Sciences, specialising in instructing students across Years 1 to 3 who are pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), Bachelor of Dental Therapy & Hygiene (BDTH), and the Foundation year for Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BMS). Alex's primary teaching areas encompass dental materials and research methodologies. Moreover, Alex serves as the lead for Student Voice and Feedback within the Peninsula Dental School, catering specifically to BDS and BDTH students.

Alex's academic journey began with the completion of a BSc in Medical Sciences & Humanities, followed by the attainment of an MSc in Nanomedicine, both of which were obtained at Swansea University. In 2016, Alex embarked on a doctoral program under the guidance of Prof. Graham Davis at Queen Mary University of London. During this period, Alex's research efforts were focused on the development of biomimetic 3D-printed teeth, aimed at enhancing dental education.

Sep. 23-Present Lecturer in Oral Sciences, Peninsula Dental School, University of Plymouth.

Sep. 21-Aug. 23 Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London.

Sep. 21-Aug. 22 Teaching Fellow, School of Engineering and Material Sciences, Queen Mary University of London.

PhD Oral Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London (2020).

MSc Nanomedicine, Swansea University (2015).

BSc Medical Sciences & Humanities, Swansea University (2014).

Member of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and British Society for Oral & Dental Research (BSODR).
Member of the Association for Science Educators in Dentistry (ASEiD).
Member of the Tomography for Scientific Advancement (ToScA).

Sep. 23-Present Honorary Lecturer, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London.

Alex's current role at the University involves teaching students across various levels of their academic journey. For students pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), a Bachelor of Dental Therapy & Hygiene (BDTH), and those in the Foundation Year for Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BMS), Alex is actively involved as an academic tutor for BDS and BMS students.

Within these roles, Alex's teaching interests are diverse and encompass subjects like Dental Materials, Research Design & Methods, Dental Hard Tissues, Mechanical Properties, and Regenerative Medicine.

Moreover, Alex extends his expertise beyond the University of Plymouth. He also conducts lectures and seminars at Queen Mary University of London, engaging with undergraduate students from both the Institute of Dentistry and the School of Engineering and Material Sciences. These sessions delve into Bioengineering, Implantology, Material Properties, and Manufacturing Techniques. Additionally, Alex plays a pivotal role in teaching activities for the MSc Oral Biology and MSc Dental Materials courses.

Alex's primary area of research focusses on the innovative application of 3D printing technology within the dental and biomedical domains. Whilst at the Dental Physical Sciences Unit, he has introduced a range of additive manufacturing machines, with a specific focus on crafting novel materials designed for precise purposes. These materials encompass dental composites tailored for crown design, PLA-Hydroxyapatite filaments employed in the creation of tissue scaffolds, and biomimetic substances that faithfully replicate enamel and dentine.

Currently, Alex is actively engaged in his ongoing PhD research, which revolves around the development of haptically-similar 3D printed materials meticulously designed for the training of undergraduate dental students. In addition to pioneering new materials, his work also delves into the realm of haptics, micro-CT, and virtual reality as indispensable tools for educational enhancement.

His dedication and innovation have garnered recognition on a global scale, with Alex presenting his research findings at numerous international conferences and securing accolades such as the prestigious GSK-MINTIG award in Mineralised Tissue in 2021. Notably, his work has also received funding support from institutions like the Westfield Fund in 2020 (£10k) and Barts Charity in 2022 (£50k).

Alex has made significant contributions to various projects in the biomedical field. These include the development and characterisation of cutting-edge CAD/CAM glass ceramics, the creation of customised dental implant scaffolds, and even the inventive repurposing of water bottles for educational models.

Furthermore, Alex has provided valuable supervision for numerous postgraduate and undergraduate research projects, demonstrating his commitment to nurturing the next generation of aspiring scholars.

2023 Fabrication of a tooth extraction socket insert to promote an optimised new bone architecture prior to a dental implant. Queen Mary Innovation. £23,000.

2022 Development of a Method for the Creation of Artificial Teeth for Training Dentists. Barts Charity Trust. £50,000.

2020 3D Printing of Realistic Endodontic Training Models. Westfield Fund for Improving Education. £10,000.