Kenneth Liddelow, an outstanding clinician of his generation with a special interest in dental prosthetics, died on 30 May 2003 aged 87. He earned wide recognition after the war partly due to the publication of his first UK textbook of clinical prosthetic dentistry in collaboration with A.P. Gimson and H.B. Fenn. However, it was his remarkable understanding of oral function and the ability to restore lost tissue that ensured his reputation as an outstanding teacher. When many lecturers were using blackboard and chalk he brought to life the incapacities of persons with missing teeth, facial and jaw tissues, which he recorded on 8mm cine colour film. His enlightened approach to the design of prostheses restored the appearance, confidence and function of numerous patients, the secrets of which he shared with dentists who invited him to lecture at BDA branches and specialist societies. A founder member of the British Society for the Study of Prosthetic Dentistry, he was elected president in 1959. The society marked his contribution to the subject with their Gold Medal in 1987.

Generations of undergraduates remembered him affectionately...

Liddelow was educated at the City of London School and Guy's Hospital where he graduated in 1938. After service in the RAF Volunteer Reserve he returned to private practice and part time teaching at Guy's before being appointed Head of Prosthetic Dentistry at King's College Hospital Dental School in 1947. He was appointed Professor of Prosthetic Dentistry at the University of London in 1959 and together with Ralph Cocker and other colleagues planned a new building that was opened in 1966. After his appointment as Dean of Dental Studies in 1972 he set about restructuring the school with its enlarged staff. Generations of undergraduates remembered him affectionately as a humane practitioner, sympathetic examiner and understanding dean. He was awarded the Fellowship of King's College London.

From 1965-1977 he served on the dental committee of The Medical Defence Union. He enthusiastically contributed to the making of the film 'Tom Dick and Harriet' which advised students and inexperienced practitioners on ethical behaviour and risks which can lead to claims of negligent practice.

In 1977 Liddelow was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons of England after serving on the board from 1965. He instigated several important changes including the award of the Diploma of Membership in General Dental Surgery and the revision of the examination for the Fellowship in Dental Surgery. He received the prestigious award of the Colyer Gold Medal and was subsequently appointed CBE.

He undertook many important duties including chairmanship of the Dental Sub-committee of the University Grants Committee, visitor of dental schools for the GDC, Consultant Adviser in Prosthetic Dentistry to the Department of Health and Social Security and Consultant Adviser in Dentistry to the RAF.

In 1938 he married Joan Short who sadly died of acute poliomyelitis in 1952. Subsequently, he married Mary Coultard who predeceased him in 1995. Together they raised a combined family of eight children. Before his retirement he moved to the foreshore at Bonchurch, Isle of Wight where he spent many happy years developing their home and garden as well as enjoying watercolour painting.