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Bernard Geoffrey Norman Smith (1938-2016)

British Dental Journal volume 236, pages 556–561 (2024)Cite this article

Abstract

Bernard Smith was one of the most significant specialists in restorative dentistry of his generation. He was an inspiring undergraduate and postgraduate teacher, a noted international lecturer and a house-builder. Bernard was president of the British Society for Restorative Dentistry and first chairman of the Association of Consultants and Specialists in Restorative Dentistry.

Key points

  • Much was happening in 1970s and onwards dental academia, with mergers of dental schools creating stresses and opportunities.

  • A number of up-and-coming British academics crossed the Atlantic for further education and training.

  • It is interesting to see that a leading internationalist, so often seen to be away from their home base, can sometimes be fully available and loved by their students.

  • It is always surprising that very busy, highly successful academics can find time to develop hobbies or other expertise outside of their speciality.

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References

  1. Howe L C. Personal communication. 15 August 2023.

  2. Smith B G. The value of tests of spatial and psycho-motor ability in selecting dental students. Br Dent J 1976; 141: 150-154.

  3. Smith B G, Davis H C, Page C F. The attitudes of sixth formers to dentistry as a career. Br Dent J 1978; 145: 129-133.

  4. Smith B G. The value of perception and control tests in predicting performance in dental students and ancillary personnel. Med Educ 1979; 13: 247-250.

  5. Lewis K J, Smith B G. The relationship of erosion and attrition in extensive tooth tissue loss. Case reports. Br Dent J 1973; 135: 400-404.

  6. Smith B G. Dental Erosion, Attrition and Abrasion. Practitioner 1975; 214: 347-355.

  7. Smith B G, Knight J K. An index for measuring the wear of teeth. Br Dent J 1984; 156: 435-438.

  8. Smith B G Knight J K. A comparison of patterns of tooth wear with aetiological factors. Br Dent J 1984; 157: 16-19.

  9. Grey N J, Shaw M J, Smith B G. Audit in restorative dentistry. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 1994; 76: 182-184.

  10. Kidd E. Personal communication. 9 May 2023.

  11. Ashley M. Personal communication. 10 August 2023.

  12. Smith S. Personal communication. 1 May 2023.

  13. Kidd E, Howe L. Obituary: Bernard Geoffrey Norman Smith. Br Dent J 2016; 221: 696.

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Acknowledgements

Susan Smith supplied a great deal of background information. She and daughter Louise provided the photographs. Edwina Kidd and Lesley Howe added further material. Helen Nield, Head of BDA Library and Knowledge Services sourced some references.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Honorary Professor and Head of the Unit for the History of Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King´s College London, Guy´s Hospital, Tooley Street, London, SE1 1UL, UK

    Stanley Gelbier

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  1. Stanley Gelbier
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Correspondence to Stanley Gelbier.

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Gelbier, S. Bernard Geoffrey Norman Smith (1938-2016). Br Dent J 236, 556–561 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-024-7232-z

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