Abstract
David Smith was a major influence on the world of dental radiology, helping to found the European Academy of Dental Radiology. He was a president of both the British Society of Dental Radiology and the British Society of Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology, and an honourary life member of the European Academy of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology. David was also a master mariner, politician and fighter for the introduction of distance-learning programmes in dental education.
Key points
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Every profession needs members who think outside the box.
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There are often major advantages when a dentist has a wide range of outside interests, including some obtained before entering the profession.
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Many dentists want to obtain further learning and postgraduate qualifications but are prevented from doing so because of loss of earnings. Distance learning provides a golden opportunity as they can continue to work and earn.
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Acknowledgements
Brian O'Riordan gave immensely helpful comments on an earlier draft, as did David's son, Malcolm. Helen Nield, Head of Library and Knowledge Services at the British Dental Association, helped to locate a number of sources of information.
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Gelbier, S. Norman John David Smith (1931-2010): radiologist, master mariner and instigator of dental distance-learning courses. Br Dent J 234, 687–690 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-5794-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-5794-9
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