David Phillips, who died in November 2020 after a short illness, was a man with vision, determination, and energy. Recognising early in his career that there was a need for a dentally orientated, occurrence-based indemnity society that was not financed by insurers, he convinced Medical Protection Society (MPS) that they needed Dental Protection – and DPL was born. David qualified from Bristol in 1963 and worked in general dental practice in Cardiff for 16 years before joining MPS in 1981, thence growing DPL with a fantastic team of likeminded and intelligent people that colleagues could rely on in times of need. Many dentists benefitted from his wisdom and experience, and the dental profession is a safer and better place thanks to his foresight. Although DPL was his brainchild and first loyalty, he was also an active board member of Denplan during its developing years, becoming Chairman and ultimately Life President, going on to chair Oasis Dental as it was being established and lecturing internationally on healthcare risk management. When most dentists were thinking of retiring, David became Chairman of Two-Ten Health, a Dublin-based software company whose dental management software, Salud, is used in many dental schools and clinics worldwide. His many appointments included; Specialist Adviser to the House of Commons Health Select Committee, in the wake of the 1992 fee cut (its report advocated prevention through continuing care, replacing the emphasis on dental treatment); lay member of the General Osteopathic Council, Treasurer and Chairman of its Disciplinary Committee; Elected Member of the GDC, chairing the Fitness to Practise Committee; medico-legal adviser to the WHO; Chairman of Barnet & Edgware NHS Trust; Chairman of GetWellUK and of Dencare Ltd.; appointed OBE in 1994 for services to dentistry and in 1999, to the BDA’s Roll of Distinction. Additionally, his charity work included being a trustee for Different Strokes and of Candoco, a charity that pairs amputee former professional dancers with able-bodied ballet partners in special choreographed performances. It is a truly inspiring and humbling charity to which he was devoted. David leaves his much-loved family, Anne, also a dentist, and their daughter Rachel whom he adored. A great golfer, raconteur and lover of fine wines and dining, he was wonderful company to be with; generous, loyal, kind and supportive with huge energy. His wise counsel will be greatly missed by many but above all he will be missed by his family and many friends.