John Gibson has enjoyed a career in academic Dentistry and has held various roles at various times, including Professorial Head of the Institute of Dentistry in the University of Aberdeen, Professor of Medicine in Relation to Dentistry in the University of Glasgow, Associate Postgraduate Dental Dean with NHS Education for Scotland, Chair of Dental Protection, Chair of the General Dental Council’s Fitness to Practise Panel and President of the British & Irish Society for Oral Medicine.

He is currently Emeritus Professor of Oral Medicine in the University of Aberdeen, Chief Executive Officer of The Canmore Trust (SC051511) and a member of the Scottish Government’s Lived & Living Experience Suicide Steering Group, and the Suicide Bereavement Support Steering Group. John has recently received an Honorary Life Fellowship from the British & Irish Society for Oral Medicine and has been awarded the President’s Award of the College of General Dentistry for 2024.

On 20th October 2019, John’s youngest child, Cameron, died by suicide at 24-years-old and John’s world changed forever.  John now works to prevent suicide, and offer support to individuals, families and communities affected by suicide, through the actions of The Canmore Trust – a charity set up by the Gibson family.

​