1954 - 2020

figure 1

Barbara Dixon sadly passed away on 30 October 2020. She inspired throughout her career with her positive attitude and indomitable spirit, which continued despite a diagnosis of terminal lung cancer.

Barbara graduated BDS Manchester in 1978, continuing in clinical practice until 2016. She arrived in Anglesey in 1979 as an associate at The Old Lookout, Cemaes Bay. In 1998, she founded Longford Road Practice Holyhead, where as foundation trainer she mentored a generation, until selling the practice in 2011. Barbara raised the profile of women in dentistry in the 1990s, being appointed to the Welsh Central Assessment Panel and Anglesey Local Health Group. Active membership of the LDC and BDA included a year as President of the BDA West Lancashire, West Cheshire and North Wales branches.

Long before 'specialists' existed, Barbara's oral surgery skills were utilised by Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital, and she was appointed by Cardiff University to train and mentor GDPs to administer intravenous sedation. Visiting Cambodia (2012) as team dentist on a service mission, she once extracted 60+ teeth in four hours. The first woman to achieve a Masters in Dental Radiography from KCL (1996), she lectured throughout the UK, delivered Wales Deanery's IR(ME)R training for DCPs and upskilled many dental nurses on the NEBDN's post-certification course in dental radiography.

Barbara offered wisdom, support and guidance with insight and empathy, and encouraged others to prevail over career difficulties, both officially as a Dental Professional Support Unit mentor in her role as Wales Deanery PDP and Clinical Governance tutor, and as a caring individual. Many dentists' and DCPs' careers benefited from her assistance, often saying she was 'like a second mother'. A lifelong learner, she obtained the Diploma in Postgraduate Dental Studies (Distinction) (Cardiff University) and PGCertEd in Professional and Clinical Education (Bangor University).

Barbara volunteered with Samaritans and produced gorgeous costumes for local pantomimes. A leading light in Soroptimist (SIGBI) since 1992, she served three separate terms as Anglesey President, visited Kenya to see women taking part in Soroptimist-funded agricultural training and was Federation President Elect. Even when shielding, Barbara completed craft projects and organised sewing for care workers, keeping Soroptimists updated with e-newsletters, her last reflecting that 'none of us can beat nature'.

Née Hunter, Barbara interpreted the family crest 'Cursum Perficio' as 'I will complete the course'. Her passing was peaceful, calm and quick with husband Alan holding her close. She is survived by Alan, stepchildren Gareth and Kate, and four grandchildren. We share their loss as we say goodbye and thank you to this remarkable person.

Donations in Barbara's memory can be made to Hospice at Home (she was a trustee and board member): https://stdavidshospice.org.uk/support-us/donate, or to the Alaw Day Unit at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, LL57 2PW.

By Katherine Mills, Fiona Sandom, with assistance from many of Barbara's colleagues and friends.

Katherine Mills