David Ramsay, Orthodontic Consultant at Guy's Hospital, died after a long illness on 21 September 2006.

David qualified from the London Hospital Medical and Dental Institute in 1965/6. His first appointment was at the London Hospital as a dental house surgeon, spending time in many of the departments of dentistry to gain experience. Subsequently he worked in the community service and general dental practice. A year was spent as a rotating intern at the Eastman Dental Centre in Rochester, New York.

He progressed through basic postgraduate training, holding a junior hospital post at Guy's Hospital and achieving a Fellowship.

He undertook orthodontic postgraduate training at the Eastman Dental Institute and then a Registrar post linked with Winchester. He then completed Senior Registrar training on a Guy's link with the South East Thames Region.

David developed a special interest in early management of premature babies with the constriction of feeding plates.

David was appointed Consultant in Orthodontics at Guy's, Greenwich District and Lewisham Hospitals in 1976. He was always a very practical clinical teacher and made a large contribution to the orthodontic education at Guy's, both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Many students qualifying from both Guy's and UMDS will recall the Friday night reflections on the teaching of the day — the atmosphere was smoky and noisy but always friendly and congenial! At Greenwich, a very good regional service was provided for general dental practice, the community service and the training of junior staff; at Lewisham, as well as providing a regional service, David developed a special interest in early management of premature babies with the constriction of feeding plates.

David retired from clinical work in January 1998, which unfortunately signalled the start of his long illness.

As a student and after qualifying he played rugby for the London Hospital and later became a referee. He enjoyed travelling and gardening and was devoted to his family, to whom he gave total support in all their undertakings. He was a very intelligent man with a great sense of humour, and a regular churchgoer. A memorial service was held in his local church with large numbers present — evidence of his great popularity.

David is survived by his wife Lynne and his children, Michelle and John, to whom we extend our thoughts and deepest sympathy.