Norman Colquhoun died recently in Dundee. In 1993 he retired as Scotland's Chief Dental Officer, a post he had held with distinction for nine years.

Born in Glasgow, he received his early education at Glasgow Academy before becoming a dental student. In 1956 he graduated BDS with commendation from the University of Glasgow. After one year as a house surgeon, he entered his father's dental practice and, like his father before him, was appointed a visiting dental surgeon at the Glasgow Dental Hospital & School.

In 1967 he increased his dental hospital commitment becoming a part-time associate specialist in conservative dentistry and five years later he left general practice when he was appointed associate specialist in child dental health. He had special interests in preventive dentistry and in the treatment of the mentally and physically handicapped.

In 1977 he became a Dental Adviser to the Scottish Dental Estimates Board with a part-time teaching appointment at the Edinburgh Dental Hospital & School. In 1981, he was appointed Director of the Scottish Dental Estimates Board. In 1984, he was appointed Scotland's Chief Dental Officer and honorary senior lecturer at the University of Dundee.

Norman Colquhoun made outstanding contributions as clinician, teacher, administrator and leader. He had a calm, well informed friendly presence in committee, seeking consensus but always prepared to define and defend what he saw as in the best interests of patients and his profession. He was highly respected by his colleagues.

He retired to West Ferry, Dundee in 1993 where he and his wife, Margaret, tended their beautiful garden and Norman kept tropical fish. He also enjoyed salmon fishing in the River Tay. Sadly, two years later he suffered a major stroke to which he responded with great courage and characteristic determination. Gradually with excellent medical care and Margaret's support, he recovered and was able to enjoy a further 16 years of happy retirement, retaining his interest in dental affairs until he died.

He is survived by Margaret, daughter Wendy, son Angus and his four grandchildren of whom he was very proud. Angus, a consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon in New Zealand, continues the family association with dentistry into a third generation.