Alan completed the diploma of postgraduate dental studies at Bristol in 1996 and has also completed the Bristol University Open Learning for Dentists course in orthodontics for clinical assistants and has worked at Dorset County Hospital. To add to their repertoire, they completed both restorative and aesthetic courses under Paul Tipton.

After qualifying in Cork, Ireland, Alan moved to England and worked as an associate in High Wycombe and Gravesend. They then moved to Sherborne, Dorset, in 1989 and became a partner at Market View Dental Practice, now Bupa Dental Care Sherborne. During that time, they have maintained a keen interest in postgraduate education.