The Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future (ACFF) announces new Chair, with Professor Tim Newton stepping down from the trustee board after many years of dedicated service, and Professor Chris Vernazza appointed as the incoming Chair from 1st January 2026.
Outgoing Chair, Professor Tim Newton, has been a trustee of ACFF for over nine years and has played a central role in shaping and strengthening the charity during a period of significant international change. A psychologist with more than 30 years’ experience working in dental settings, Tim has been driven by a clear mission: to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of good oral and dental health. His work has focused particularly on supporting people who are anxious about attending the dentist, encouraging positive health behaviours through patient–professional partnerships, and promoting the wellbeing of the dental team.
Alongside his role with ACFF, Tim is an esteemed Professor of Psychology as Applied to Dentistry at King’s College London, where he also spends half his time working as an Honorary Consultant Health Psychologist.
Reflecting on his time as Chair, Professor Newton said:
“ACFF is in an exceptionally strong position, with a clear vision, committed trustees and growing global influence. It has been a privilege to serve the charity over the past nine years, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together. I have every confidence that Chris Vernazza will lead ACFF forward with energy, insight and a deep commitment to our shared goal of a cavity-free future.”
Tim also stands down on 31st December 2025 from his trustee role. ACFF extends its heartfelt thanks to Professor Tim Newton for his long-standing commitment to the charity and his pivotal leadership during a time of considerable organisational change.
Incoming Chair, Professor Chris Vernazza, has been a trustee of ACFF for over five years and brings a wealth of academic, clinical and policy expertise to the role of Chair. He is Professor of Oral Health Services and interim Head of School at the School of Dental Sciences, Newcastle University, and an Honorary Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Chris’s research focuses on the health economics of oral health, working at the interface between academia and policy to ensure that evidence informs decision-making. He is also strongly committed to developing research and academic careers in dentistry, contributing through the Dental Schools Council and within his own institution. His clinical work in paediatric dentistry, where he sees the impacts of dental decay first-hand, has further strengthened his resolve to advance the mission of ACFF.
In addition to his role with ACFF, Chris is a trustee of the Oral and Dental Research Trust and represents ACFF on the World Dental Federation’s Vision 2030 Implementation and Monitoring Taskforce, and has recently completed a term as Honorary Editor and Executive Member of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry.
On taking up the role, Professor Vernazza said:
“I am delighted and honoured to take on the role of Chair of ACFF. The charity’s mission is one I care deeply about, both as a clinician and as a researcher. I would like to sincerely thank Tim for his outstanding dedication and leadership over many years — his contribution has been fundamental in building the strong and respected organisation we see today. I am excited to work with the board and our partners to continue driving progress towards a cavity-free future.”
Looking ahead, ACFF is continuing to build momentum. The charity is currently growing its trustee board, with two exciting new appointments due to be announced early in the New Year – further strengthening its leadership as it advances its global mission.
