obituary

Simon A F Howell: 10 October 1952 – 8 February 2023

Words by Karen Coates, Oral Health Content Specialist at the Oral Health Foundation, 14/02/23

We are sad to announce the sudden passing of our dear friend and colleague, Simon Howell.

Simon was Director of Campaigns for the Oral Health Foundation (previously the British Dental Health Foundation) from 2004 to 2014.  He previously worked at Smile-On learning, so came to the Oral Health Foundation with a wealth of industry knowledge.

During his time at the Oral Health Foundation, Simon was at the forefront of delivering our public oral health awareness message, with major campaigns such as National Smile Month and Mouth Cancer Action Month.   He was also instrumental in spreading the ethos and mantra of the Oral Health Foundation, both in the UK and overseas. 

Through the years, Simon built up many great relationships within the dental profession and industry, and these resulted in friendships that were to last for many years.  Simon was always especially popular at dental shows, due to his infectious enthusiasm and energy. 

In the office, Simon was a huge character, with many a tale and a ‘dad joke’ or three.   We fondly remember the tales such as how the double stitched seam on his KooGa shorts saved him from a major injury when the ladder broke whilst he was cleaning his boat.  His sense of humour was legendary and more often than not, groan-worthy too.  Since we heard the shocking news of his passing, we have spent several hours remembering all of his nicknames for people and his wonderful stories and jokes, with love and smiles.

Simon was genuinely interested in people and took the time to build friendships with everyone he met.  When he retired in 2014 after 10 years, his presence was greatly missed by us all at the Oral Health Foundation.

After he retired in 2014, Simon and his beloved wife, Julie moved to Oradour-Sur-Vavres, Limousin in France, where he spent his remaining years.

We send our thoughts and condolences to his much-loved family, wife Julie, son James, daughter-in-law Rita and precious granddaughter Beatrice.

Simon was larger-than-life, thoughtful, kind, selfless and great fun!  Our lives are richer for having him in them and the world is a sadder place without him. 

Simon, you were a true bon vivant, a great friend, and an absolute gentleman.  You will be remembered with a smile and with much love.

Janet Goodwin, RDN BA(Hons) FFGDP(UK) FBADN, passes away

It is with great sadness that the BADN has announced the death of Janet Goodwin at her home in Blackpool on Monday 28th September, after a long battle with breast cancer.

Janet began working in dentistry in 1971, and worked in general practice, community, dental hospitals and further education, including roles as Nurse Manager at Leeds Dental Institute and Qualifications Manager at NEBDN, for whom she also volunteered as an examiner and as Chairman – only the second dental nurse to be Chair of NEBDN.  She was also a Past President of the Oral Health Foundation, was the first dental nurse to be a member of the  General Dental Council  and a past Chair of its Standards Review Group, as well as a former Governing Body member of Nugent Care Charity in Liverpool, and a development manager for the Strategic Health Authority.  She consulted on management and educational projects with City & Guilds as Chief Examiner, and with Dental Team Qualification in the development and delivery of DCP programmes. 

Janet was a long time supporter of the BADN, having received her 25+ years membership brooch at the 2018 National Dental Nursing Conference from President Hazel Coey, who described Janet as “A true plain speaking lass, who raised the bar for all of us dental nurses, and fought for our true value to be recognised. She was always cheerful and had a cheeky sense of humour….always made us laugh! A true support and voice for dental nurses”.

Janet was also a recipient of the BADN Outstanding Contribution to Dental Nursing Award, a BADN Fellow and an Honorary Fellow of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK). Janet was an Affiliate of FGDP(UK) and had long served as a representative of the wider dental team, as a dedicated observer on the Board and a contributor to many standing committees, as well as Chair of the DCP Committee.

“Janet will be greatly missed” said BADN President Jacqui Elsden “both in dental nursing and in dentistry at large.  She was a great advocate for the dental nursing profession, particularly for dental nurse education, and for oral healthcare in this country.  On behalf of all BADN members, I send our sincere condolences to her husband David and family.”

Dave Williams, former Managing Director at Alkapharm UK, passes away

It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of Dave Williams. Dave was well known within the dental trade. His sharp wit and effervescent personality endeared him to all with whom he engaged.

He possessed great intelligence and a sharply focused commercial mind. As a result, his material contribution to the dental infection control sector and the breadth of products available – both branded and own-label – through the national retailers was without comparison.

The ‘Alkapharm’ UK flotilla sailing weekends and French Alp skiing trips in the 90s and 00s were considered legendary. Few have the ability to embark on a leadership journey with their customers, each of whom were competitors, and strived to ensure a jolly good time was truly had by all.

Courteous, considered, inclusive and kind to a fault were his guiding principles. It is without doubt fair to say that our world is a far lesser place for his passing.

Dave passed away peacefully on Saturday 1st August 2020, surrounded by the family he adored. Our thoughts go to his wife, Denise, and his daughters, Claire and Ellie, at this difficult time.