John Wibberley was among the first full-time students to study for a Certificate in Dental Technology, qualifying in 1978 from Manchester Polytechnic. His first appointment was in the Department of Prosthodontics at Manchester Dental Hospital, followed by a move to North Manchester General Hospital, where he gained valuable experience in the maxillofacial unit.
Driven by a passion for continual learning and technical excellence, John achieved the advanced City & Guilds qualification in Crown and Bridgework before joining the RAF Dental Branch in 1980, where he gained extensive clinical and technical experience.
After leaving the RAF, John broadened his expertise across several commercial laboratories and dental hospitals before founding Portland Ceramics in August 1985. His laboratory specialised in implant-supported restorations and removable prosthetics, earning an international reputation for quality and innovation over sixteen successful years. In 2001, he sold the business following an approach from Boots Dental Care.
In June 2005, John was awarded a Fellowship of the British Institute of Dental and Surgical Technologists. Throughout his career, he has travelled widely, attending advanced courses across Europe and presenting at major events including the Association of Dental Implantology, British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry, Nobel Biocare World Conference, Createch Symposium, the International Removable Denture Conference (Tokyo), and the Neodent Conference (Brazil).
Following qualification as a Clinical Dental Technician (2015), John pursued further training in Japan under Dr Jiro Abe, becoming an international instructor in the Lower Suction Denture Technique.
Today, John provides clinical and technical support for Ceramet UK Dental Solutions, combining decades of laboratory and clinical experience to advance restorative and prosthetic excellence. This new role allows John to focus on dental education from 1:1 training to lecturing, depending on brief he is given.
