Reg Dinsdale was born in Leeds on 17 October 1926, son of dentist Reginald BT Dinsdale and of Beatrice May. He decided to follow in his father’s footsteps, gaining his BChD at Leeds University in 1949, where he met Fay, his future wife. After qualification with a distinction in operative dental surgery, he worked as a house officer at Leeds Infirmary before joining the Royal Navy. He later transferred to the Royal Naval Reserve where he gained the rank of Surgeon Lieutenant Commander, gaining the Volunteer Reserve Decoration towards the end of his service. In 1959, he was appointed Consultant and Honorary Lecturer in Sheffield, specialising in oral surgery, after holding training posts at Guys and Newcastle and where he remained until retirement in 1990. He was involved in teaching students from the outset and was known for his kindness and approachability. Many of his past students and colleagues remember his meticulous clinical skills and gentle chair-side manner. Reg was involved in postgraduate education and served as postgraduate dental dean for the Trent region from 1976-81. He played a major part in developing the national vocational training scheme. He also enjoyed research and innovation, publishing over 50 articles and papers, and writing two books. His book, published in 1985 by the *British Dental Journal* aimed at general practitioners, *Viral hepatitis, aids and dental treatment* was a popular reference book and to be found in most dental practices of the time. He felt very privileged to be awarded an honorary MD by the University of Sheffield in 1989 in recognition of his service to the dental profession. He was a lifelong member of the BDA, serving as South Yorkshire Branch President in 1983, and was elected fellow of the BDA in 1989. Reg retired in 1990, and he and Fay had more time to pursue a life-long interest in sailing, together with worldwide travel; however, he was devastated by Fay’s death in 1993. He later married Jill and they were able to enjoy a very happy retirement together until his final illness. Reg died on 9 February 2016 at the age of 89 and leaves Jill, his sons, Christopher, a retired dental surgeon, and Richard, a consultant anaesthetist, together with four grandchildren, three great grandchildren and an extended step family. His passing will be felt not only by his family but many former colleagues and friends who knew or worked with him, both in Sheffield and elsewhere.