The dental implant pioneer Richard Johns, who co-founded the UK's first Dental Implant Institute, has died at the age of 96. His groundbreaking work alongside Swedish professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark transformed restorative dentistry and made implant procedures widely accessible.
Early Life and Education
Richard Johns was born in Sutton, Surrey, to Walter, an accountant, and Cynthia (née Gamble), a secretary. He attended St Paul's School in London and completed his national service as a dental orderly with the RAF in Hong Kong. In 1949 he enrolled at Guy's Hospital to study dentistry, qualifying in 1955.
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Career Milestones
After qualifying, Johns worked as a house surgeon at Guy's and later set up his own practice in Orpington, Kent. He then returned to Guy's as a full-time lecturer, where he began pioneering research into dental implants. He earned a PhD in 1973 and published numerous papers on implantology. In 1981, he was appointed professor of restorative dentistry at Sheffield University.
The Dental Implant Institute
In collaboration with Per-Ingvar Brånemark, Johns established the Dental Implant Institute in Sheffield in 1991. This was the first school in the UK dedicated to providing courses on implant techniques and treatment. The institute received financial support from philanthropist Sir Ronald Hobson.
Key Achievements
- Co-founded the UK's first Dental Implant Institute
- Pioneered the application of dental implantology as an accepted procedure
- Served as president of the British Endodontic Society
- President of the British Society for Restorative Dentistry
- President of the odontological section of the Royal Society of Medicine
Timeline of Major Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1928 | Born in Sutton, Surrey |
| 1949-1955 | Studied dentistry at Guy's Hospital |
| 1968 | Became full-time lecturer at Guy's |
| 1973 | Awarded PhD for dental implant research |
| 1981 | Appointed professor of restorative dentistry at Sheffield University |
| 1991 | Co-founded the Dental Implant Institute in Sheffield |
| 1998 | Retired to Winchester, Hampshire |
Richard Johns's legacy continues through the thousands of dentists trained in implantology worldwide. His work made dental implants a reliable and routine option for patients, vastly improving quality of life.
FAQ
What did Richard Johns pioneer?
Richard Johns pioneered the field of dental implantology in the UK, co-founding the first Dental Implant Institute and helping to make implant procedures an accepted standard of care.
When was the Dental Implant Institute founded?
The Dental Implant Institute was founded in 1991 in Sheffield, UK, by Richard Johns and Swedish professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark.
What awards and positions did Richard Johns hold?
He served as president of the British Endodontic Society, the British Society for Restorative Dentistry, and the odontological section of the Royal Society of Medicine.
Richard Johns passed away at age 96, leaving an indelible mark on restorative dentistry. His dedication to education and innovation continues to inspire dental professionals globally.
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