Dr John Rafelt
Education & Development Manager — Bioclear Matrix UK
Dental materials scientist, Chartered Chemist, educator and specialist adviser in restorative materials and dental technology.
With a PhD in Chemistry and 24 years' experience at 3M Oral Care and Solventum, John brings extensive scientific and technical expertise to dental education.
He now operates Rafelt Dental Materials Consultancy and supports Bioclear Matrix UK in developing education, professional partnerships and the adoption of modern composite dentistry.
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
A Career Connecting Chemistry, Dental Materials and Clinical Education
Dr John Rafelt completed his PhD in Chemistry at the University of York in 1999.
Following his doctorate, John worked as a food analyst within government research laboratories before moving into research funding advisory work, collaborating closely with the European Commission.
In 2002, he joined 3M Oral Care, later becoming part of Solventum. During his 24-year career with the organisation, John served as Scientific Affairs Manager for the dental division, covering the UK and Ireland.
His work involved advancing scientific understanding of dental materials and supporting their appropriate application through professional education and technical guidance.
John has lectured widely on developments in restorative materials and dental technology. He has also regularly contributed articles to the professional dental press.
In early 2026, John established Rafelt Dental Materials Consultancy, providing independent advice and assistance to organisations working with dental materials and technology.
He now also supports Bioclear Matrix UK as Education and Development Manager, bringing his scientific and educational experience to the wider Bioclear community.
Professional Profile
University of York, 1999
Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC)
3M Oral Care / Solventum
UK & Ireland
Established 2026
Understanding the Science Behind Dental Materials
Combining scientific knowledge with experience in dental materials development, education and technical communication.
Restorative Dental Materials
Extensive knowledge of composite resins, adhesives, cements and developments in materials used in contemporary restorative dentistry.
Scientific Education
Communicating advances in materials science through lectures, educational programmes and articles for dental professionals.
Materials & Technology Consultancy
Helping dental organisations understand, assess and appropriately apply materials and technologies through independent scientific advice.
Supporting Modern Composite Education in the UK
As Education and Development Manager, John works with the Bioclear UK team to expand education and support for clinicians, universities and dental practices.
Having worked with Dr Claire Burgess and the Bioclear community for many years, John brings an established understanding of both the restorative methodology and the materials used alongside it.
His scientific background adds a complementary perspective to Bioclear UK's clinically led educational programmes, connecting materials science with practical restorative applications.
The aim is to support clinicians in understanding not only how restorative techniques are performed, but also the materials and scientific principles behind their use.
Areas of Involvement
Career Milestones
From chemistry research to dental materials, professional education and independent consultancy.
PhD in Chemistry
Completed his doctorate at the University of York.
Government Research
Worked as a food analyst and later advised on research funding in collaboration with the European Commission.
Joined 3M Oral Care
Began a long career in dental materials and scientific affairs for the UK and Ireland.
Dental Materials Education
Lectured and wrote extensively on restorative materials while working with 3M and Solventum.
Independent Consultancy
Established Rafelt Dental Materials Consultancy.
Bioclear UK
Took on the role of Education and Development Manager at Bioclear Matrix UK.
Rafelt Dental Materials Consultancy
Established in early 2026, Rafelt Dental Materials Consultancy draws on John's extensive experience in chemistry, restorative materials and scientific education.
The consultancy advises and assists organisations on dental materials and technologies, with an emphasis on the science underpinning their appropriate use.
Through this work, John combines his independent consultancy activities with his role supporting education and development at Bioclear Matrix UK.
Consultancy Focus
Sharing Developments in Dental Materials
John's career includes lecturing and written contributions to the dental profession.
Professional Presentations
Lectures and educational presentations discussing developments in dental materials and restorative technology.
Dental Press Articles
Written contributions explaining advances in restorative materials, composite resins and related dental technologies.
Scientific & Clinical Dialogue
Working alongside clinicians and dental organisations to connect materials science with practical dentistry.
Selected Articles
Examples of John's contributions to professional discussion around dental materials and restorative techniques.
Dental Materials — A Composite Future
John Rafelt
A published contribution concerning dental materials and developments in composite restorative dentistry.
View Publication →Choosing Effective Cementation Solutions
Dr John Rafelt & Dr Akit Patel
A professional discussion about resin cementation, adhesive materials, simplification of restorative workflows and clinical applications.
Read Publication →Interested in Bioclear Education or Collaboration?
For enquiries about Bioclear education, university partnerships, professional development or dental materials, contact our UK team.