Dr Stephen Jacobs, one of the pioneers of the UK’s implant dentistry community, has passed away.
The dental community has hailed his contribution as an innovator, mentor and friend.
Outside his life as clinical director of Dental fx, a renowned practice in the Bearsden are of Glasgow, Dr Jacobs was perhaps best known for his pivotal role in developing implant dentistry.
His was a career defined in many ways by dental implants. From his first involvement with the modality in 1991, he swiftly came to be known as a trusted voice in the field, working as an esteemed clinician, mentor and educator over more than 30 years.
A staunch advocate of ethical care and uncompromising clinical standards, Dr Jacob’s blend of compassion and honesty set him out from his peers.
His championing of standards within implant dentistry saw him work extensively with the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) setting up committees and shaping the direction of the organisation. Dr Jacobs was president of the ADI between 2009 and 2011, but his involvement ran deep even beyond this as a near-constant presence on committees over several decades.
So passionate was Dr Jacobs that this was a theme beyond the UK as well, seeing him extensively with the renowned Academy of Osseointegration (AO).
Highly respected
In 2016 the Academy of Osseointegration named him as a fellow – the second-ever UK clinician to receive this accolade. The AO would continue to heap praise on him, following up with an Outstanding Service Award a few short years later.
A statement from the ADI hailed Dr Jacobs as ‘an exceptional human being who made a positive impact on all those he met’.
It read: ‘Not only was Stephen a highly respected, highly regarded and celebrated colleague but also a dear friend to many at the ADI and the wider dental community. His presence brightened our lives. His kindness, dedication and smile touched us all, leaving an indelible mark in our minds and hearts.
‘A consummate professional, Stephen embodied everything the ADI stands for. His humour and endearing smile will be sorely missed. We were lucky to have him with us.’
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