Remembering Dentistry Leaders Dr. Roger L. Ellis Dr. Roger Langrick Ellis of Guelph, Ontario, passed away on April 19, 2023, at age 91. Born in Almonte, Ontario, Dr. Ellis received his DDS, diploma in dental public health (DDPH), and his masters in health administration (MHA) all from the University of Toronto (U of T). After graduating from dentistry, he spent 10 years in private practice in Cambridge, Ontario, and went on to teach public health dentistry at the U of T faculty of dentistry for many years. “When I was in private practice in Hamilton, Ontario, I read, with interest, various publications by Dr. Ellis which ignited my own interest in the dental public health scene,” remembers Dr. Don McFarlane, who was also a student of Dr. Ellis’ at U of T. “I obtained my DDPH in 1977 and Dr. Ellis was one of the teachers for my program,” adds Dr. McFarlane. “He became a valued mentor while in the program but also afterwards as I pursued a career in public health dentistry.” After 10 years at U of T, Dr. Ellis relocated and served for 9 years teaching and chairing the department of health care and chairing admissions for the faculty of dentistry at the University of Alberta. “After he moved to the University of Alberta, I was recruited to follow him at the U of T faculty of dentistry,” says Dr. James Leake. “In Ontario, Alberta and indeed across Canada, Roger was always a strong supporter of public health dentistry. He was a leader in promoting the opening of membership in dental public health associations in Ontario and Canada to allow dental hygienists to fully participate and help these associations thrive.” Throughout his career, Dr. Ellis served in several capacities within organized dentistry, including as registrar of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) for several years. “Roger was my mentor and role model at the RCDSO,” remembers Dr. Minna Stein. “He always shared his experiences and knowledge with an open and giving heart. His thoughtfulness and kindness never faltered, it was part of his make up. Roger was a modern thinker and working with him was a joy,” she says. Dr. Ellis was recognized for his professional achievements, earning fellowships from the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, the International College of Dentists, the American College of Dentists, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, along with an Award of Distinction from the U of T faculty of dentistry. Dr. Ellis went on to work for many years at ROI Corporation, before officially retiring in 2014. In his spare time, Dr. Ellis enjoyed photography and he was also an avid runner, completing 14 marathons. Dr. Ellis is survived by his wife Margaret, his children Betty Ann (Iain) and Stephen (Magdelena) and grandchildren, nephews and nieces. 38 | 2023 | Issue 4 Obituaries
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