Dorothy Ann Geddes (1936-1998)
Object numberED.CS.2010.94
TitleDorothy Ann Geddes (1936-1998)
Creator Jane (1959- ) Allison (Delineator)
DescriptionGeddes, Dorothy Ann (1936-1998) Surgical: Honorary FRCSEd 13th December 1996. Dental Fellow: 15th February 1953 (Roll no 240). Portrait, oil, full length, framed. 1999. Artist: Allison, Jane (1959- ).
Dorothy Ann Malcolm Geddes was the former Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Professor of Oral Biology, University of Glasgow.
Professor Geddes was born on 8 May 1936 in Alloa and educated at Brechin High School. Despite being both left-handed and dyslexic she chose dentistry as a career; all the more surprising since early indications of her abilities had pointed towards an arts degree. She overcame her handicaps and after a distinguished undergraduate career graduated from Edinburgh University in 1959. It was perhaps significant that her alma mater lay within 800 yards of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, that august and ancient institution to which Professor Geddes was devoted. Her attachment to the College came early in her career. Under the charismatic guidance of Professor W. D. MacLennan, she specialized in Oral Surgery. In 1963 she 'took her seat' as the first lady to be awarded the fellowship in Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
After working as a senior registrar in oral surgery in Birmingham, Professor Geddes realised that the probability of achieving a Consultancy in oral surgery, despite her obvious ability, was minimal. She made a career change and moved to the Eastman Dental Centre in Roch¬ester, New York, where she carried out research into dental caries. She made a life long contribution to caries research that culminated in the highly prestigious award of the European Organization for Caries Research Rolex prize, just weeks before her death.
On returning from the United States she worked with Professor Neil Jenkins in Newcastle where she was funded for 6 years by the Medical Research Council prior to being appointed to a Lectureship at Glasgow Dental Hospital and School. Glasgow University recognized her abilities and achievements and in 1990 she was appointed to a Personal Chair; the first lady Professor in dentistry in the United Kingdom. During her academic career other talents emerged and were recognized by her peers. She became President of the Royal Odonto-Chirugical Society of Scotland, President of the West of Scotland Branch of the British Dental Association and, while never a feminist, delighted in becoming President of Women in Dentistry. Within the British Dental Associ¬ation she chaired the Committee representing Dental Teachers and Research Workers.
These achievements, and many others, were not at the expense of her humanity. She was determined and shrewd but all times retained her femininity. She brought a very gentle touch to her teaching and instilled in her students a deep concern for patients. This empathy to her patients extended to her students whom she counseled wisely and in total confidence. In the little leisure time she allowed herself, she enjoyed the opera, gardening, painting and the company of her cats.
With such a curriculum vitae tempered by humour, wisdom and a wicked sense of humour, it came as no surprise to those who knew her well that after 10 years of committed service on the Dental Council of this College she was duly elected Convener of Dental Council and Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery. In this she completed a unique triple; first female FDS RCSEd, first female Professor in dentistry in the United Kingdom and the first female Dean of a Faculty of Dental Surgery of any Royal Surgical College in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
She was a firm moderator of Dental Council and Councilors were expected to be on top of their responsibilities and pull their weight. Under her guidance they did so, and many of the initiatives now coming to fruition can be traced back to her Deanship .She built an excellent relationship with the Deans of our sister Dentil Faculties. In 1995 she was awarded an OBE. In December 199S, just a little over one year after demitting office as Dean to the Faculty of Dental Surgery, Dorothy was awarded the highest hon¬our the College can bestow; its Honorary FRCS and she was immensely proud of this honour. Professor Geddes died following her illness, borne with great dignity, on 14 March 1998 in Cove in her beloved country house.
Through great personal and professional tribulation Dorothy was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. To those who worked closely with her in her later years she set a standard that if achieved by her successors will ensure the pre-eminence and prestige of faculty of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh for many years to come.
Production date 1999 - 1999
Production periodTwentieth century
Object nameDorothy Ann Geddes (1936-1998), Portrait
Object categoryArtworks
Dimensions