Former President of the Dental Technologists Association (DTA) Ian Kenneth MacLeod died on 20 August 2011, aged 59. His funeral was held on 26 August and DTA President John Stacey attended along with previous presidents, Tony Griffin and Paul Mallett.

Ian had a lifelong commitment to team dentistry and was best known for his expert handling of initial negotiations with the GDC over the introduction of registration for dental care professionals.

Ian spent a long period working as a dental and maxillofacial technologist in the RAF Dental Branch before leaving to work at Walsall Manor Hospital. Following a stint in the Lake District, Ian joined University Dental Hospital Manchester as Dental Laboratories Technical Manager. He was committed to developing dental technology as a professional career and helped develop National Occupational Standards.

Having previously been awarded the prestigious Dennison Award from his peers in dentistry, Ian received an MBE in the 2001 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to dental care. Then in 2010 he was honoured by the DTA with a Fellowship in recognition of his lifetime of commitment to dental technology.

Ian was active in gaining support for the charity Mission Cure Bangladesh in their quest to set up a specialist centre for head and neck cancer, and a maxillofacial trauma centre.

As head of the dental laboratories at Dental Hospital Manchester Ian facilitated their refurbishment and update. He also actively encouraged the integration of real work skill development activities between the dental technology courses at Manchester Metropolitan University and the education of dentists at the University Dental Hospital Manchester.

Outside of work Ian's immaculate MG sports car was his pride and joy and taking her for a ride over the moorland roads was a great treat for him. The onset of an aggressive cancer cut short his plans, although he fought hard and bravely to live out the year that he had and to give more care to others.

Ian is survived by his wife Julia, his mother Jean, his daughter Gail and son Keith, and his grandchildren of whom he was so proud.