Dr Stephen Jacobs 1963-2024
The late Dr Stephen Jacobs was widely regarded as one of the foremost implant surgeons in the country. Qualifying from the University of Birmingham in 1985, he went into general dental practice in London, moving to Glasgow in 1990.
Beginning with a simple request from one patient, he started a career in implant dentistry in 1991 and from that moment dental implants were his passion. He placed and restored in excess of 10,000 implants, and also carried out more than 1,000 sinus grafts.
In the early 90s, when, in the UK, there was a dearth of formal training programmes in dental implantology, his training was carried out in the USA and Europe, where he continually travelled, to work closely with and learn from mentors, bringing these world leaders in the field back
to his practice for further training.
Stephen was regarded as an educator, and mentored many dentists, enabling them to progress their careers in implantology and private dentistry. Stephen lectured extensively on all aspects of dental implantology throughout the USA, Asia, Continental Europe and the UK.
He started his implant referral practice in Bearsden, Glasgow, in 2006. From himself, one nurse and then practice manager, Susie, he built a team of 13, including three clinicians and three hygienists, who carried out all aspects of implant and reconstructive dentistry.
Stephen was a key opinion leader and ambassador for Dentsply Sirona Implants and, along with 39 other clinicians worldwide, played a role in the development of the Astra Tech EV Implant System. He was also a key opinion leader for Osstell, the device that measures implant stability, this being one of his hot topics that he lectured on, among many other subjects.
He was a Past President of the Association of Dental Implantology and a committee member of the American Academy of Osseointegration, where he was the UK Ambassador. He was a founding board member of PEERS UK, and was the past scientific chairman of the ADI. He was committee chair for the AO Global Program Development, where he oversaw all the non-American activities of the Academy, across the other continents.
Stephen was recently awarded Fellowship of the AO, becoming only the second clinician from the UK to be bestowed this prestigious honour, and one of fewer than 100 worldwide. He sat on the editorial board of three journals and ran a variety of courses at his practice, including a comprehensive one-year course for those willing to get started in the field of implantology, sinus grafting and restorative programmes and is experienced with many implant systems.
When asked about his overall philosophy and focus in dental implantology, Stephen said: “For over 25 years, my life’s work has been working with implants, where I have seen many aspects change, creating great advances and improvements, many others come full circle, new ideas not proving very successful and old ideas re-surface.”
His passion for implant dentistry was unparalleled as was his ambition to provide the highest standards of all aspects of dental care. Not only was Stephen a highly respected, highly regarded and celebrated colleague but also a dear friend to many and the wider dental community. His presence brightened our lives. His kindness, dedication and smile touched us all, leaving an indelible mark in our minds and hearts.
Dental Fx is an incredible referral practice built by a perfectionist. Since May 2023, I have had the privilege and honour of continuing Stephen’s legacy. Stephen was an extraordinary dentist with exceptional skill and precision which is demonstrated by the results that I witness daily.
He is deeply missed by all his patients who have nothing but gratitude for the care and treatment he provided over all these years. Stephen’s team, who worked alongside him for many years, cherish all the time they spent with him and all the happy memories. The wider dental community will miss his generosity, commitment and dedication to the profession.
Stephen was my idol and I will miss our long discussions about everything dental and life.
We offer our deepest, heartfelt condolences to his lovely daughters Talia, Carly and Alyssa. May Stephen rest in peace with his beloved wife, Lucy.
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