Dr Stephen Jacobs

The late Dr Stephen Jacobs was widely regarded as one of the foremost implant surgeons in the country. Qualifying from Birmingham University in 1985, he went into general dental practice in London, moving to Glasgow in 1990. Beginning with a simple request from one patient, he started a career in implant dentistry in 1991 when from that moment, dental implants have remained his passion, and he placed and restored in excess of over ten thousand implants, and also carried out more than 1,000 sinus grafts. In the early 90’s, where, in the UK, there was a dearth of formal training programs in dental implantology, his training was carried out in the USA and Europe, where he continually travelled, to work closely with, and learn from, mentors, bringing these world leaders in the field, back to his practice for further training. He was regarded as an educator, and mentored many dentists, enabling them to progress their careers in implantology and private dentistry. Stephen lectured extensively on all aspects of dental implantology throughout the United States, Asia, Continental Europe and the UK. Stephen started his implant referral practice in Bearsden, Glasgow, in 2006 and from himself, one nurse and then practice manager, Susie, he led a team of thirteen, including three clinicians and three hygienists, where all aspects of implant and reconstructive dentistry are carried out. He was a key opinion leader and ambassador for Dentsply Sirona Implants and, along with 39 other clinicians worldwide, played role in the development of the Astra Tech EV Implant System. He was also a key opinion leader for Osstell, the device that measures implant stability, this being one of his current hot topics that he is lecturing on, among many other subjects. Stephen was a Past President of the Association of Dental Implantology and a committee member of the American Academy of Osseointegration, where he is the UK Ambassador for AO. He was a founding board member of PEERS UK, and is the past scientific chairman of the ADI. He is committee chair for the AO Global Program Development, where he oversees all the non-American activities of the Academy, across the other continents. He was recently awarded Fellowship of the AO, becoming only the second clinician from the UK to be bestowed this prestigious honour, and one of less than one hundred worldwide. He sat on the editorial board of three journals and ran a variety of courses at his practice, including a comprehensive year course for those willing to get started in the field of implantology, sinus grafting and restorative programmes and is experienced with many implant systems. When asked about about his overall philosophy and current focus in dental implantology, Stephen replied “For over 25 years, my life’s work has been working with implants, where I have seen many aspects change creating great advances and improvements, many others come full circle, new ideas not proving very successful and old ideas re-surface. It is so important to stay current, engage with fellow implant clinicians, attend conferences and meetings (non commercially biased) and regularly read a range of peer reviewed scientific journals. Implants remain my passion and things continually change and progress, but we have to be in a position to assess whether change actually will enhance treatment outcomes, or whether they are just for ‘changes sake’. The digital revolution for example, is engulfing dentistry in general, and is impacting on our field also, where the digital workflow now begins at the consultation stage with 3-dimensional imaging and planning, leading to computer assisted implant placement and the use of CADCAM for the production of the restoration. I have been using CBCT for over 10 years, but with the recent advent of intra-oral optical scanning, a whole new dimension has been added, allowing more precision with all aspects of the implant treatment workflow. Of course we must not forget that all this is designed to allow our patients to benefit from even better treatment outcomes, providing them with long term predictable success. This remains my goal and underpins my philosophy” His passion for implant dentistry is unparalleled as is his ambition to provide the highest standards of all aspects of dental care. Not only was Stephen a highly respected, highly regarded and celebrated colleague but also a dear friend to many and the wider dental community. His presence brightened our lives. His kindness, dedication and smile touched us all, leaving an indelible mark in our minds and hearts. Stephen is survived by his three beautiful daughters, Talia, Carly and Alyssa and he will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.