Since then she has made world leading contributions in social and behavioural sciences as applied to dentistry. She was the first academic in oral health and dentistry to use structural equation modelling to examine conceptual models of oral health related quality of life. Has written critically on the study of inequalities in oral health, and conceptual and methodological issues in oral epidemiology. She is also continuing to innovate by bringing the use of complex systems sciences into oral health and dentistry, along with simulation modelling and innovative approaches to co-design and participatory research. Professor Baker continues to provide inspirational leadership being recognised in 2018 as an IADR Distinguished Scientist for her contribution to Behavioural, Epidemiological and Health Services Research (BEHSR), serving as President of the International Association for Dental Research BEHSR group 2013-2014, as Associate Editor for the journal of Community Dentistry Oral Epidemiology since 2010, and has twice won the IADR Giddon Award for Behavioural Sciences, in 2013 and 2016. Most recently, she is a founder member of the Balance the Dental Boards group which is campaigning to address the gender imbalances on UK Dental Boards (https://balancethedentalboards.com/).
Whilst Professor Baker demonstrates leadership globally in research, she is a hard working supportive colleague at the School of Clinical Dentistry in Sheffield. She is a member of the School Executive Board as the Head of Unit of Oral Health Dentistry and Society. She teaches communication skills, health psychology and dental public health to undergraduate dental professionals. Professor Baker also provides leadership on research methods in clinical dentistry at postgraduate level along with significant supervision to Post Graduate Taught and PhD students. She has successfully supervised 18 PhD students since arriving at University of Sheffield; both social scientists in oral health and dental professionals in social sciences. She is known as a hugely supportive colleague who provides significant mentorship and leadership to all of those in the School – as well as to early career researchers and trainees through her research networks internationally. We are very honoured to have her with us.
What is the one thing that has helped you the most in your career to date?
My family first and foremost. I have also been very fortunate to work alongside some very insightful and principled colleagues, both within dentistry and in my own discipline, Psychology. Many of these people have been wonderful mentors – sometimes explicitly but oftentimes without knowing it. People who have led by example and who understand that leadership is about people, the value of listening, and who work to promote diversity, and multi-disciplinary collaboration.
What is the key thing that has hindered or challenged you to date in your career?
Being a parent alongside trying to progress my academic career has been tough at times, particularly as a single parent in the early years. A lack of time, energy, and ability to focus – something that has re-emerged during the home-schooling months of this last pandemic year!
What advice would you give to young female academics starting out on their careers now?
Aspire to inspire!