Dr Allan graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Science from the University of Otago, New Zealand, in 1982. He gained his Masters in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Western Australia in 1991 and has Fellowships in oral and maxillofacial surgery from England, Ireland and Australia. His surgical training took place in Australia, the UK and USA.

Dr Allan is currently working as a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery in private practice. His previous international appointments include consultant in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Washington, Seattle. Previous national appointments include consultant in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Princess Margaret Hospital, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Fremantle Hospital.

His areas of surgical special interest include advanced osseointegrated implant techniques, correction of dentofacial deformity and maxillofacial reconstruction. Dr Allan has presented lectures and surgical training programs and his literature contributions include scientific articles and text book chapters.