1940–2015

Robin Davies passed away after a short illness at Warrington General Hospital on the 5 April 2015, surrounded by his family. He was such a dynamic individual that any discussion of his talents could not do him justice. Robin was a fine athlete who had a trial for the Welsh rugby team, his research brain was incisive and his communication skills were legendary. He lectured all over the world to great acclaim. Although he was a gifted individual, his success was achieved through hard work and his need to strive for perfection in everything he did; thus he was at the vanguard of dental research focussing on scientific evidence. Graduating BDS from the University of Manchester in 1962, with a PhD in 1968, his scientific acumen was fostered when working with Professor Harold Loë at the University of Aarhus, who inspired his commitment to periodontal research. In 1971 he was appointed senior lecturer in periodontology at the University of Manchester. In 1977 he was head hunted by ICI to lead their dental research on two products, chlorhexidine oral rinses and composite restorative materials, both of which subsequently had lasting effects on dental clinical practice.

When ICI moved out of dental research in 1981 Robin moved to an academic post at the University of Bristol, but, looking for new challenges, moved in 1985 to the Armed Forces Hospital in Riyadh as a consultant in restorative dentistry. An excellent clinician and revered by his patients, his research and communication skills were such that in 1990 he was asked to head up the joint Colgate-University of Manchester collaboration, The Dental Health Unit, being appointed Professor and Director of Clinical Dental Research, Europe. Once again he excelled and led the teams which provided the evidence for most of the benefits of Colgate Total. He also organised the only large scale RCT of a postal fluoride toothpaste distribution scheme. The success of this project influenced government policy and the design of oral health improvement programmes for children.

When Robin retired from The Dental Health Unit in 2007, he was appointed Director of the National Fluoride Information Service and continued to be a favourite international speaker, and a regular lecturer at the Salford PCD School. In fact, he never really retired as his advice and practical research wisdom was constantly in demand and he co-edited a book on gingival diseases in 2011. His enduring legacy will be in the thoughts of generations of Manchester and Bristol graduates who will remember his impish grin and the passion he could inspire in young students to really enjoy learning.

He is survived by his wife Gill, three daughters, two sons and ten grandchildren.