Tributes Flood in for Pioneering Darlington Dentist
Colleagues, patients, family members and friends have paid tribute to Philip Waterfall, a dentist who touched hundreds of people’s lives in Darlington.
Mr Waterfall transformed dental services in Darlington in the 1960’s while working as school dental officer, a post he held during three decades. In 1967, Mr Waterfall converted a caravan into a mobile unit, which toured local schools providing children with routine dental treatments.
Before qualifying as a dentist, Mr Waterfall worked as a meteorologist and navigator in the RAF. After a brief period working at a private dental practice, Mr Waterfall joined the school dental service and he made an impact very quickly. Under his guardianship, the service provided every child in Darlington with an annual check-up and further treatment was arranged for those who required it.
Mr Waterfall died last week at the age of 89 years old. He had battled illness for a long time and leaves behind his wife, Eve, three children, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Mrs Waterfall described her husband as “a lovely man” and said she was very proud of the work he put into promoting good oral health for children and his tireless efforts to improve standards of dental health among local children.
The funeral will take place on Friday 19th December at 2pm.
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