1942–2014

Richard graduated from Bristol University in 1965, becaming a general practitioner in Poole.

Richard was always actively involved in dental politics and the BDA. As a student he was treasurer of the British Dental Students' Association journal and held the positions of secretary and president of Bournemouth and Poole section of the BDA and meetings secretary, treasurer and President of Wessex Branch. He served on Branch Council from 1973 until ill-health forced his retirement in 1996. He was subsequently elected as an honorary vice-president Wessex Branch and to life membership of the BDA.

Richard was a long-standing member and one time chairman of the Dorset LDC, a founder member of the East Dorset Dental Committee and a member of the Regional Dental Advisory committee, of SCORPDE Wessex and of COCET.

He organised evening classes for Dental Surgery Assistants locally and was a member of the Panel of Examiners for DSAs.

He became Regional adviser in General Dental Practice, Southampton University in 1986 and was honorary tutor in dental practice at University College London.

He also served on the Dental Practice Board, receiving the Diploma in General Dental Practice in 1992.

As VT adviser he coordinated 'The First Years' with Wessex Dental Vocational Trainees which was updated annually.

Sadly Richard was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, bringing his career to an abrupt end. During subsequent periods of remission he held the role of trustee on the Wessex MS committee and was also Trustee for a Retired Nurses' Home.

As his disease progressed, and he was no longer able to pursue his hobbies of travelling, particularly to his beloved cottage in France, gardening and DIY, he was able to take pleasure in his family.

He is survived by Jill, a fellow dental student at Bristol, children Andrew and Catherine and four grandchildren.