1949-2020

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Dr Jim Rennie, who has died aged 71, transformed dental education in Scotland and made a significant contribution to addressing the crisis in NHS dental provision in the early part of the new century.

The abiding memory of Jim, for many, will be his wonderful sense of humour, the twinkle in his eye, and the accompanying raucous laughter; however, his sense of fun, never far from the surface, belied the seriousness with which he took the important things in life.

Jim was a proud Coatbridge man who never forgot his Lanarkshire heritage. His father, the local dentist, encouraged him into the profession, and he graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1972. Choosing to specialise in oral pathology, and having completed his PhD, he became a respected academic working for over 20 years in one of the busiest head and neck pathology units in the UK.

Jim soon took the opportunity to combine his clinical work with his love of education, lecturing at Glasgow Dental School and inspiring several generations of students. He was renowned for memorising every student's name from their photograph prior to meeting them and, as any undergraduate knows, the prospect of being singled out by name in a lecture significantly concentrates the mind. This was one of the many indications of the efforts Jim made to get the best out of his students, and his interest in the effectiveness of education drove much of his career. Later he was to extend his influence, regionally at first, to the west of Scotland, culminating in his appointment as Postgraduate Dental Dean for Scotland in 1999. In addition to this post, in 2004 he was appointed Deputy Chief Executive for NHS Education Scotland. Jim also served on the General Dental Council contributing to review groups and standing committees.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution, Jim was appointed CBE in the 2011 Queen's Birthday Honours for services to dentistry and had two educational facilities - in Glasgow and Inverness - named after him.

After retiring from the NHS, Jim concentrated his life in Elie with his dog Ebony, enjoying the company of his family and close friends.

Jim Rennie married his beloved Ann Campbell in 1976. She and their daughter Samantha predeceased him, and he is survived by sons Gavin and David, and his five grandchildren, all of whom he was very proud.

Margie Taylor