It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of Martin Levy on 9 November 2012. He fought renal cancer just as hard as he fought the NHS, with a clear and articulate mind and a sense of humour. Martin was born on 7 January 1930. He studied at Owen's School, Islington and Bedford. He graduated with a BDS from University College Hospital Dental School and went on to obtain his LDS and RCS, both in 1954. He did his National Service in the RAF stationed at Benson in Oxfordshire and was dental surgeon to the Queen's Flight from 1954–1956, following which he set up practice in Stoke Newington, a deprived area, working there from 1957-1997.

Martin was a tireless fighter for his profession, working hard to ensure equity and parity for his colleagues, especially in inner city deprived areas. He held many offices within the profession both locally and at a national level through which he was instrumental in raising the status of London dentists. He was a member of the BDA's Representative Board, the GDSC, Dental Rates Study Group, Oral Appeals Tribunal, GDPA Council and its Policy Committee. For several years he wrote and presented the GDPA's evidence to the Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration Body (DDRB). He was Vice Chairman of the Federation of London Dental Committee of LDCs and inaugurated and chaired the London Council of the BDA.

Martin fought successfully for the honorary title of 'doctor' for dentists as acknowledged in Dame Margaret Seward's recent book Open wide. His interests outside dentistry varied from being a collector of British Victorian period oil paintings to being a co-author of Encyclopaedia of model railways, with time to enjoy golf and bowls.

In 1959 he married Jean, an active charitable worker for Meals on Wheels and League of Jewish Women as well as helping Martin in his dental practice. He leaves behind his wife and two sons Graham Simon Levy and Clifford Philip Levy, both solicitors of high international standing.

Martin, one of our leading lights, though missed, will never be forgotten. The profession has lost one of its true warriors.