May, 2024
Dr. W. Don Heffron has died peacefully after a long illness in Port Macquarie on 30 April, 2024 at the age of 95.
During his lifetime, Don represented the profession on literally hundreds of occasions in negotiations with Faculties, Auxiliaries, Dental Boards and Committees, State and Federal Public Services, State and Federal Health Education Services, State and Federal Political Committees and International Boards, Committees and Congresses.
He was a knowledgeable, precise operator who suffered the pangs of the perfectionist, but who shared his knowledge freely with his colleagues at both the graduate and undergraduate level. Don encouraged many others to step outside their isolated practices of dentistry and move forward into the true professional altruism that he espoused and achieved so ably by his own example.
Biography
1929: Born in Sydney
1952: Sydney University Bachelor of Dentistry
1953-54: General Practice in England with particular interest in Facio-Maxillary work
1955-1995: 40 year Dental Practice in Rockdale, Sydney
St George Hospital
1956-76: Senior Honorary Dental Surgeon performing over 200 operations
1976: Appointed Lifetime Consultant
Australian Dental Association - NSW Branch
1969-70: President
1978: Elected Honorary Life Member
Australian Dental Association - Federal
1976-80: President
1981: Elected Honorary Life Member
International:
1973-80: Delegate International College of Dentists
1976: Elected Fellow International College of Dentists
Honorary Life Member International College of Dentists
Elected Fellow Pierre Fauchard Academy
1983: Elected Fellow of American College of Dentists
Career Awards:
1981: Received Commander of the British Empire (C.B.E.) for services to Dentistry and the Community
Sydney University Faculty of Dentistry
Life Member of the Sydney University Union
Creator of the Martin Hallas Dental Awards which he presented at graduation until the age of 85.
1995-1998: Director of Clinical Dentistry for 5th year students at Westmead Campus
Retirement:
1999: After a career dedicated to both awareness and improvement of Dental Health and Dental Practice in this country Don retired to enjoy family, international travel, golfing and fishing. Don is survived by his three children Anne, Donna and Christopher, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In the words of Edward Hazen Parker (1823-18926) a physician and poet:
“Life’s race well run,
Life’s work well done,
Life’s victory run,
Now cometh rest.”