Two exceptional dentists, who have both left an indelible legacy on the specialty of paediatric dentistry, have been awarded honorary life membership of BSPD. BSPD’s new president, Professor Paula Waterhouse, awarded Professor Emerita Anne Maguire and Ben Cole their honorary life memberships at a celebration event during the BSPD Annual Scientific Conference 2023 in Newcastle - in view of their exceptional and wide-ranging services to paediatric dentistry.
Professor Emerita Anne Maguire became a clinical professor in preventive dentistry in 2013 and, on her retirement in 2020, was awarded an Emerita Professorship by Newcastle University. Anne has achieved notable contributions to the advancement of knowledge in paediatric dentistry via her clinical, scientific and educational research. She has over 180 publications and over 3,600 citations with clinical research areas concentrating on the oral health of children, the effects of liquid oral medicines on oral health, erosion and fluoride.
Professor Paula Waterhouse, BSPD president, said, “Anne’s ability as an educator was rewarded with her becoming academic teaching lead for paediatrics at Newcastle University. She was involved in curriculum development, particularly related to the introduction of outreach teaching in the university’s undergraduate degree programme. I learnt so much from working alongside her on this project. She has contributed so much to advocating for paediatric dentistry in the UK and served as honorary membership secretary for BSPD and chair of the Teachers’ Branch during her career. Her award of honorary life membership of BSPD is richly deserved for her vast contribution to clinical academia and to the wider specialty.”
Dr Ben Cole has been influential in the training of paediatric dental trainees and pivotal in the establishment of regional services for the improvement of children’s oral health in the northeast and Cumbria, setting up the region’s first oral medicine and gastroenterology multidisciplinary team; improving children’s clinical outcomes and quality of life. As training programme director, he was instrumental in increasing both numbers of trainees and trainers in the region. In 2013, he became clinical director of the Dental Directorate at the trust. Ben has supported BSPD in a number of roles, including honorary secretary for BSPD and then president in 2012.
Professor Paula Waterhouse, BSPD president, said, “I am delighted that Ben’s influence and advocacy in paediatric dentistry is recognised by this award of honorary life member of BSPD. Although Ben retired from clinical dentistry this year, he is still currently associate postgraduate dental dean Health Education England Northern Deanery. On a personal note, Ben has always been there if I needed clinical advice and support with our undergraduate curriculum – often going above and beyond! This award is in recognition of Ben’s diverse and varied career in paediatric dentistry.
“I am delighted that by honouring Anne and Ben, they will both remain part of the society to which they have given so much.”