Newell Walter Johnson had a significant impact on oral healthcare. The posts he held included chair of oral pathology at the London Hospital Medical College, Nuffield research professor of dental sciences at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, professor of oral medicine and pathology at King’s College London, and, following his retirement from King’s, foundation dean/head of the school of dentistry and oral health and professor of dental research at Griffith University, Australia and a senior fellow at the Menzies Health Institute, Queensland, Australia. He was born on 5 August 1938, the son of Otto Johnson and Lorna Johnson née Guy. He was educated at University High School, Melbourne and then Melbourne University. Following his completion of his BDSc (1961) and MDSc (1963), he moved to the UK, where he completed a PhD at the University of Bristol (1967). Soon after he commenced on a long academic career in the UK. Newell was a highly respected researcher of a variety of themes relevant to oral healthcare. His time as director of the Medical Research Council’s dental unit provides a helpful guide to his work as he strove to answer questions relevant to caries, periodontal disease and oral cancer. His many outputs covered several aspects of each of these areas, for example his work on potentially malignant disease included studies of epidemiology and risk factors in different populations across the globe, novel non-invasive diagnostic methods, pathogenic pathways and clinical practice trends. Similarly, his interest in periodontal disease enabled papers on risk factors, biomarkers in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid, and the impact of HIV-infection upon gingival and periodontal tissues. He was therefore something of a polymath in research. Communication was a notable strength. He was a skilful speaker, clearly enjoyed lecturing and was not afraid of robust discussion – even when he ran the risk of losing an argument. He embraced the notion of working with whoever was good, wherever they were and consequently had a considerable number of collaborations with individuals and groups across the globe (travel never seemed to trouble him). He encouraged young researchers enthusiastically, was open to new concepts and mentored many to reach heights that they may have otherwise considered impossible. He was a loyal supervisor – and was known to attend the vivas of some of his PhD students – a potentially disarming experience for examiners. Newell’s endeavours were recognised by awards, including the John Tomes medal of the British Dental Association (2004), the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) distinguished scientist award in oral medicine and pathology (2007) and the IADR distinguished scientist award for international oral health (2017). He was also the recipient of the Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (2011). In parallel he established the Newell Johnson travel award to help new investigators residing in low to upper middle-income countries to attend the IADR general session and exhibition. Despite being unwell, Newell continued to contribute to the knowledge base until shortly before his death. He was something of a whirling dervish, being notably energetic in conferences and meetings. He was ebullient, warm-hearted and generous. His energy and forthright approach could at times be challenging but a discussion with Newell, even where there was disagreement, usually ended with a genuine smile. Newell died on 20 January 2024 at the age of 85. He was survived by his first wife, Pauline Margaret (née Trafford), two daughters Sarah and Nicola and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his second wife Jeannette (née Giblin). Not only will he be missed by his family and friends, he will not be forgotten (for the right reasons) by the many individuals who deliver education, research and/or clinical care in the field of dentistry.