Remembering Dentistry Leaders Dr. Alan Lowe Dr. AlanA. Lowe ofVancouver, British Columbia, passed away on February 7, 2024, at age 75. After graduating from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 1972, Dr. Lowe started his professional journey. From the moment he joined the UBC dentistry faculty in 1976, he proved himself to be an invaluable member, and he dedicated his expertise to the field until his retirement in 2016. Dr. Lowe’s tenure at UBC Dentistry was marked by his visionary leadership, particularly in the field of oral appliance research. He is highly regarded as a pioneer and preeminent researcher in mandibular advancement devices (MAD) for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. He conducted extensive research on the neural control of the genioglossus and made significant contributions through his work on 3D reconstructions of the tongue and upper airway. In collaboration with respirologists Drs. John Fleetham and Kathy Ferguson, Dr. Lowe took the lead in initiating a partnership that ultimately resulted in the first randomized trial on MAD for sleep apnea. The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine said of Dr. Lowe, “His research, collaborations, mentoring, teaching, and contributions as a university member have left an undeniable mark. Dr. Lowe has MAD; he ‘Made A Difference’ to numerous individuals in his life, he is indeed a treasure and will be missed.” Dr. Lowe played a big role in the development of an undergraduate orthodontic program and played a key part in the training of more than 2,000 dentists during his tenure at UBC Dentistry. As a professor emeritus of orthodontics, he took the initiative to establish the Dr. Alan A. Lowe Entrance Award in Dentistry in 2022. This award is granted annually to an undergraduate student who showcases exceptional academic achievements in UBC’s pre-dental program and also demonstrates a significant commitment to community service. The achievements of Dr. Lowe, along with his genuine desire to give back to the profession, were a reflection of his character as a mentor, colleague, and friend at UBC and beyond. Dr. Lowe’s commitment to supporting the next generation and skill in fostering collaborations between physicians and dentists has made him a pivotal figure in dental sleep medicine at UBC. “Dr. Lowe provided invaluable guidance and support throughout my PhD and career at UBC,” says Dr. Fernanda Almeida, one of Dr. Lowe’s mentees. “He was a caring and genuine human being whose influence shaped my professional journey significantly. The success of oral appliance therapy is undeniably linked to Dr. Lowe’s efforts. It is a testament to the dedication, courage, meticulousness, thoughtfulness, generosity, and fun that Dr. Lowe brought to his remarkable career.” Dr. Lowe is survived by his husband of 30 years (Barry), children (Christopher and Allison), granddaughter (Nadia), friend and mother of his children (Sharon) and sister ( Jean). 46 | 2024 | Issue 4 Obituaries
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