10 June 1923 – 20 April 2012.

Following the Second World War there was great difficulty in recruiting suitable 'dental chairside attendants', with no formal training available, and pay and recognition poor. It was in this environment that the young Jean Smith found herself, and where she devoted herself tirelessly for almost 40 years.

In 1945, Jean passed the new dental nurses qualification and joined the Dental Nurses and Assistants Society. In 1948, Jean replied to an advertisement for a secretary to the society, which stated that, unless someone came forward at once, the society would cease to function. Luckily Jean was appointed and this was not to be the only time she saved the day!

Jean met with representatives from any dental organisation who could influence and promote education and training for dental nurses, succeeding in increasing the number of courses, candidates and examiners. In 1954, the BDA and the BDNA agreed to form a joint committee. Recommendations on pay and conditions for dental nurses in general dental practice were issued and a National Voluntary Register was established. Jean administered the register and became the first registrar. By this time Jean had taken on the additional role as secretary to the National Examining Board. Both the association and examining board made considerable progress under her intelligent leadership and her services to dentistry were recognised in 1975 when Jean was awarded an MBE.

Jean was determined to get proper recognition for dental nurses and in 1980, approaches were made to the GDC to set up a group of stakeholders to standardise their training and education. A report in 1984 outlined, for the first time, the role and training objectives for dental nurses.

Jean retired from the association in 1985, but continued to work for the Examining Board, which by now had become a separate organisation. Her signature will be recognised by thousands of dental nurses who received her letter telling them their examination results.

Jean retired from her official duties with the board in December 1991, after over 40 years of dedicated service. Her impact on the dental nursing profession is without equal.

Jean leaves a daughter Jennifer, grandchildren Diane and Joel and great granddaughters Natalie, Hannah, Isobel and Alexandra.