Richard is regarded as a clinical innovator in the orthodontic speciality with a passion for achieving excellent clinical results, even in the most complex cases. In 2015, he was described in the British Dental Journal as being "in the vanguard of this (orthodontic) revolution". Richard has published over 45 technique and research papers in international peer-reviewed orthodontic and surgical journals.

He is widely regarded as the leading UK expert on orthodontic bone anchorage due to his technique innovations, journal publications, his textbook on mini-implant techniques (now in its 2nd edition), and the hands-on training courses he runs throughout the UK and across the world. More recently, he has pioneered new orthodontic aligner techniques, the integration of 3D printing into orthodontics, and 3D CAD-CAM appliances. His most recent invitations in 2025 include lecturing in Italy, Belgium and at the British Orthodontic Conference (again!).

Widely recognised at home & abroad

Richard was the lead consultant orthodontist at Peterborough City Hospital 2001-17, during which time he transformed the department into one of the most widely recognised and clinically dynamic departments in the UK. He’s also held roles as the Associate Editor for the Journal of Orthodontics, a reviewer for multiple international orthodontic journals, and a speciality examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons in England.

He is one of the few consultants to be awarded a national Clinical Excellence Award (in 2011) and even attracts referrals for second opinions from consultants in other regions. He strongly believes in the maintenance of high clinical standards and a fully customised evidence-based approach to each individual’s treatment (rather than jumping on the latest apparently revolutionary gimmick). At the same time, he’s keen to apply a human touch and some humour during appointments for patients of all ages.

Richard has worked in private practice since 2005 and created the Priestgate Clinic in 2018, in order to focus energies on patient-focussed approaches, clinical efficiency and the integration of rapidly evolving 3D technologies. In this fantastic setting he’s able to enjoy providing everything orthodontic from simple aligner treatment through to complex orthodontic-surgical care.