Obituary for BSODR for Professor William Michael Edgar ( Mike)
It is with profound sadness that we report the death of Mike Edgar aged 84 on January 30th 2025.
Mike received his dental training at Newcastle Dental School, graduating in 1968. Following a year as a house surgeon, he was awarded a Nuffield Fellowship and studied for an Honours degree in Physiology. As part of this he worked on a laboratory-based project in oral physiology under the supervision of Professor Neil Jenkins and his passion for research began. In 1966, Mike was awarded a prestigious MRC Fellowship to study for a PhD in aspects of cariology and most notably conducted the first study on dental plaque fluid.
Mike became a Lecturer in Oral Physiology at the University of Newcastle in 1968, a post he held until 1977, before being promoted to Senior Lecturer. During this time, he spent two sabbaticals in the US as a Visiting Scientist at the Eastman Dental Center in Rochester, New York and at the National Institute for Dental Research in Bethesda, Maryland.
In 1982, Mike moved to the University of Liverpool as Professor of Dental Science. He retired from this post in 1996 but continued as an Emeritus Professor and Senior Research Fellow, supporting and championing dental research.
Mike supervised many PhD and Research Masters students, who were privileged to benefit from his sharp, brilliant mind and willingness to always share his knowledge and wisdom in such a kind, calm and patient way. Always insisting on honesty and integrity in his dealings, he was an excellent mentor and provided the best possible supervisory experience. He took a great personal joy in seeing the success of his postgraduate students and staff as they progressed in their careers, many of whom became Professors, Senior Clinical academics and researchers.
Mike was an enthusiastic supporter of BSODR where he held various leadership roles including President (1998-2000), Secretary (1992-8), Assistant Secretary (1986-1992) and Founding President of the Oral Biology Group.
The contributions Mike made to the fundamental science of the carious process are manifold and resulted in numerous high quality publications. His talents however lay way beyond dental science, he was extremely well read, was an accomplished musician, playing the Viola and since retirement had learnt to play the Northumbrian pipes. He had a great passion for music and arts, history and philosophy.
Mikes was a life well lived, and he belonged to a rare group of scholars and gentlemen. His caring and supportive nature will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Christine, their three children, Abi, Tom, and Jim and five grandchildren all of whom he was immensely proud.
Emeritus Professor Susan Higham and Dr Tony Preston (University of Liverpool Dental School)
