Professor McKenna’s research is centred on optimising treatment options for older patients which positively impact their dental and overall health. His current position combines research, clinical teaching and specialist patient care.  He is the immediate past President of the Irish Division of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and past President of the European College of Gerodontology (ECG) as well as the Vice President of the Geriatric Oral Research Group (GORG) at IADR.