Gerry McKenna is a specialist in Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics working as a Consultant in the Belfast NHS Health and Social Care Trust. His clinical duties are based in the Centre for Dentistry, Queens University Belfast where he provides clinical supervision and teaching for dental undergraduates. He is a Senior Lecturer based within the Centre for Public Health and a member of the Health Services Research Group.

His research is centered on optimizing treatment options for older patients which positively impact their dental and overall health. This research has been awarded a number of prestigious awards including the IADR Hatton Award. His current position combines research, clinical teaching and specialist patient care.

He is the current President of the Irish Division of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and immediate past President of the European College of Gerodontology (ECG).