Lisburn dentist Philip hunbledto be installed as BDA President

Philip was installed as president in the Great Hall at Queen’s University Belfast at a gala dinner on January 16.

“It’s quite humbling that they have the trust in you,” Philip commented. “It’s very nice.”

He added: “I’ve served in a lot of committees over the years, and have been a member of the British Dental Association since my student days.

“It’s more of an honorary thing, you have to organise six lectures throughout the year, mentor students, organise guest speakers, there’s a masked ball at the Titanic Centre and golf outings etc.”

Philip qualified from Queen’s University in Belfast in 1973 and was a partner in what is now known as Bachelors Walk Dental Surgery in Lisburn for over 30 Years.

Throughout his career Philip, as well as being involved in the direct care of patients, had been involved in representing his colleagues and profession at a local and national level in dealing with the NHS and other groups and as such is very well known and respected within the profession.

Philip retired in 2010 from clinical practice but continues to work within the profession in the national Principle Executive Committee of the British Dental Association, as a charitable trustee of the BDA’s Benevolent fund and as a dental advisor to dental protection limited.

“We offer support to dental staff on the General Dental Council (GDC) register and their families, via grants or loans.”

Philip, an elder in Elmwood Presbyterian Church, added: “I always thought it was a great privilege to be a dentist.

“People would say, do you not get bored looking at mouths all day?, but every mouth is attached to a person.

“If you’re a people person it is a great career.”

Philip attended the installation with his wife Jenny, and he praised his wife for her support.

“They say behind every man is a good woman and she has been there throughout the years.”

Also in attendance at the installation were the current partners in Bachelors Walk Dental, Andrew Wallace & Linda Wallace and Craig Gibson & Karen Gibson.

Andrew Wallace commented: “Personally it’s been a pleasure to work with Philip for five years.

“I’m pleased he has been honoured like this,” he said.

“He has dedicated himself to work tirelessly for the profession throughout Northern Ireland throughout his career.”