Two exceptional dentists, who have both left an indelible legacy on the specialty of paediatric dentistry, have been awarded Honorary Life Membership of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD). BSPD's new President, Professor Paula Waterhouse awarded Professor Emerita Anne Maguire and Dr Ben Cole their Honorary Life Memberships at a celebration event during the BSPD Annual Scientific Conference 2023 in Newcastle.

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Professor Emerita Anne Maguire (left) and Professor Paula Waterhouse, BSPD President

Professor Emerita Anne Maguire became Clinical Professor in Preventive Dentistry in 2013 and on her retirement in 2020 was awarded an Emerita Professorship by Newcastle University. Anne has achieved notable contributions to the advancement of knowledge in paediatric dentistry via her clinical, scientific and education research. She has over 180 publications and over 3,600 citations with clinical research areas concentrating on the oral health of children, the effects of liquid oral medicines upon oral health, erosion and fluoride.

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Professor Paula Waterhouse, BSPD President and Dr Ben Cole

Dr Ben Cole has been influential in the training of paediatric dental trainees and pivotal in the establishment of regional services for the improvement of children's oral health in the northeast and Cumbria, setting up the region's first oral medicine and gastroenterology multidisciplinary team, improving children's clinical outcomes and quality of life. As training programme director, he was instrumental in increasing both numbers of trainees and trainers in the region. In 2013 he became Clinical Director of the Dental Directorate at the Trust. Ben has supported BSPD in a number of roles including Honorary Secretary for BSPD and then President in 2012.

Professor Paula Waterhouse, BSPD President said: '[Anne] has contributed so much to advocating for paediatric dentistry in the UK. [Her] award of Honorary Life Membership of BSPD is richly deserved for her vast contribution to clinical academia and to the wider specialty. I am [also] delighted that Ben's influence and advocacy in paediatric dentistry is recognised by Honorary Life Membership.

'By honouring Anne and Ben, they will both remain part of the Society to which they have given so much.'