1930-2023

figure 1

Dr Adams graduated from Queen's University Dental School, Belfast where he came under the influence of James Henderson Scott in the Department of Anatomy. He interpolated a BSc in Anatomy.

He took up a clinical teaching appointment in Manchester Dental School, moving to Edinburgh in 1962, from where he spent time researching in the USA.

He was recruited in 1965, by the founder Dean, to the new School in Cardiff. He joined before the building was opened and was responsible for developing a new concept in the teaching of oral biology. At that time, 'Anatomy and Physiology for Dental Surgeons' was taught in the pre-clinical years. Dental anatomy as a separate subject was taught in only 10 of the 15 schools in the UK and only five schools integrated partially with clinical studies.

He established a longer course in oral biology which built on the pre-clinical general anatomy and physiology. It became a three-year, laboratory-based course taught by clinicians with a scientific background. It included surgical anatomy, dental anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. It was unique in the UK and was some 170 hours in duration.

In 1973, he achieved his PhD at the University of Wales. His thesis, using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, studied developing human oral mucosa. He was appointed Reader in Oral Biology and continued to head the Division until his retirement in 1996. His consultant responsibilities were in the care of patients with serious cardiac anomalies.

He was Secretary of the British Division of the IADR and was also an examiner in the Royal College of Surgeons of England. He enjoyed meeting overseas students and relished travel, especially to Thailand where he helped to establish a new dental school in Songkhla. He was an adviser to the British Council and lectured widely in the Far East.

A new School in Wales meant that traditions needed to be established. He was conscious of the need to relate to students other than in an academic role and was responsible with others in developing events to bring staff and students together. His interests in drama resulted in joint student/staff productions which he planned and directed. More than 25 years after his retirement, he is still remembered by large numbers of Welsh dental graduates whose training he influenced in many ways.

He is survived by his wife and an extended family.

David K. Whittaker