Born in Chelmsford, David ‘Dave’ Wynne Williams was the only son of John Williams, a forester, and Beth Williams, a theatre nurse. His mum’s life was cut short by Huntington’s disease. The threat of inheriting this condition remained in the background throughout the majority of Dave’s working life until it was eventually proved he was clear of the defective gene in his early fifties. Having moved to Aylesbury, Dave started to demonstrate his technical ability at the local technical school. At 14, he visited the dentist and became fascinated by the gadgetry and technical aspects of dentistry. This motivated Dave to take A levels at High Wycombe College of Further Education. He was offered a place at University College Hospital’s dental school in 1960. In 1961 Dave met and fell in love with his future wife Margaret, a medical student. He gained his BDS in 1964. A few years in general practice followed before he joined the maxillofacial department at Queen Mary’s, Roehampton. Although Dave proved to be a talented surgeon (he continued performing dentoalveolar surgery throughout his career), the technical aspects of orthodontics appealed. Dave was offered a specialist training position at the Eastman Dental Hospital in 1966, being awarded the diploma in orthodontics in 1967. Dave remained at the Eastman as a registrar and senior registrar, during which time he added research to his achievements, concluding being awarded a PhD in 1974. Dave became a consultant/lecturer back at University College Hospital in 1976 and also at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore. He fulfilled a weekly session of private practice at 1 Harley Street. Despite becoming a highly respected clinician and teacher within the hospital setting, Dave made the decision to prioritise time with his family by bringing his career closer to home. In 1984, he resigned from his consultancies and set up an NHS specialist practice at Davenport House, Harpenden. Dave had now built hugely successful careers in both hospital and specialist practice and was keen to share his experiences. He was active in many committees and was influential in the creation of the current British Orthodontic Society. Dave was also invited to join the original Dental Practice Board’s orthodontic review panel in 1990. After a long and distinguished career and having finally been freed from the threat of Huntington’s, Dave retired in 1999. He had an active and happy retirement, with music playing a central role through playing the French horn and banjo. Alongside being a fun-loving grandad, with five grandchildren, Dave turned his hand to so much, including golf, skiing, shooting, fishing, archery and even gliding! Dave moved to Shrewsbury in 2003, where he lived for the remainder of his life. Dave died from Alzheimer’s disease on 28 June 2025, aged 84. He was survived by his wife, Margaret, and their children Jane and Richard.