A member of the GDC since 1996, Hew was President from 2003 until the end of September 2009, when he became the council’s first ever chair. He handed over the role to Alison Lockyer on 1 January 1,2010, who commented: ‘No one could have done more for the GDC than Hew over the six years he was at the helm. We’re indebted to him for his assiduous efforts. This award is really well deserved’
Interim chief executive, Alison White, says: I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Hew most warmly. This CBE recognises all of his hard work and achievements at the GDC. His commitment to improving protection for patients has been unwavering. He has helped guide the GDC through some of the most significant changes of its history, such as the registration of all dental care professionals and when we moved to a fully-appointed council. He did all this while continuing to practise as a dentist in Edinburgh. We are absolutely delighted to see his dedication to healthcare is being recognised by this honour.’