It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Asoociate Professor Roger K. Hall OAM, a pioneer of paediatric dentistry, a lifelong supporter and Federal Honorary Member of ANZSPD, and a dear friend and mentor to many.
Roger’s legacy is woven into the very foundations of our Society. In 1973 he became the Foundation President of the Australian Society of Dentistry for Children (ASDC), which evolved into the ANZSPD we know today. He was also instrumental in connecting us to the international community, ensuring that our region had a strong voice in the IAPD. Roger chaired the 9th Congress of IADC (later to become IAPD) in Melbourne, and in 1985 was elected President of IAPD. Roger continued to contribute to IAPD, serving on the Board of Directors and Chairing several Standing Committees from 1979 to 2011.
His career was marked by extraordinary achievements: the first full-time specialist in Paediatric Dentistry at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne; Foundation President of the Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry; author of the landmark textbook Paediatric Orofacial Medicine and Pathology; recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to Paediatric Dentistry; and recipient of the ADA Award for Distinguished Service to the Profession. In recognition of his enormous contributions, ANZSPD established the R.K. Hall Visiting Overseas Lecture Series in his honour. The RK Hall Lecture Series was most recently held in Brisbane earlier this year, Roger was not able to attend due to illness, however he still managed to record a special message to attendees which was played at the event.
Yet what many of us will treasure most are the personal qualities that made Roger such a special colleague and friend. He had an infectious enthusiasm and a gift for bringing people together—whether at a clinical meeting, over a meal, or in lively conversation. In his student days he was as comfortable on the athletics field or football pitch as he was on stage in the theatre, and that same energy, discipline, and joy in connecting with others carried through his professional life. Many members will fondly remember his wit, his kindness, and the way he made everyone—from students to senior colleagues—feel valued and included.
Roger was a guiding influence for generations of paediatric dentists, including those from Australia, New Zealand, and across the globe. His wisdom and encouragement gave confidence to many, and his generosity in sharing both knowledge and friendship shaped careers and strengthened our community.
Roger’s impact on paediatric dentistry, both here and abroad, will endure through the institutions he helped build, the colleagues he mentored, and the friendships he nurtured. We are grateful for his vision, his leadership, and his humanity. He will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered with admiration and affection.
On behalf of ANZSPD, we extend our deepest sympathies to Roger’s family, especially his beloved wife Vera. We hope they find comfort in knowing how profoundly he influenced our profession and how warmly he is remembered by colleagues and friends around the world.
Members may wish to read more about Roger’s life and contributions in the IAPD’s tribute here.
