Dr Gerard (Bruce) Barblett was recently acknowledged with an incredible 70 years of continuous ADAWA membership. We look at his contribution to the dental profession.
Bruce graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1955 – and he has given much to the dental profession over seven decades.
After a short time working at the Perth Dental Hospital, Bruce moved to the United Kingdom, before returning to Perth in 1959 on invitation to teach at the UWA Dental School for one year. Teaching is a passion and Bruce continued sharing his wisdom with dental students as a tutor for many years (he was also the Australian Dental Association’s representative for the education and training of dental technicians/prosthetists). In 2003, UWA’s Dental Alumni Group recognised Bruce by appointing him to the Campbell-Wilson Roll of Honour.
“Bruce was a stalwart tutor in the mid to late 80’s and beyond at the original UWA Dental School in Wellington St,” says former student, Dr David McInerney. “His expertise in denture construction was second to none and his professionalism and good humour made him a favourite amongst our cohort. One of our professions’ outstanding contributors, an amazing gentleman and good friend. Congratulations on your 70-year membership of the ADA.”
In 1960, Bruce joined Cottesloe Dental as a partner – staying at the practice and treating generations of patients until his retirement in 1999. He celebrated the practice’s 100th anniversary with current and previous partners and staff at a celebration in 2023, which happened to fall on Bruce’s 90th birthday.
“Bruce’s long-term membership with ADA typifies his loyalty and dedication to all aspects of his life – his family, his profession, his church and his sporting clubs,” says Dr Max Trott, former colleague and fellow partner at Cottesloe Dental. “Anything he does, he does with passion.”
“Bruce is such an enthusiast with everything in dentistry,” adds Dr Colin O’Brien, one of the current partners at Cottesloe Dental, who worked with Bruce for over a decade. “He maintained his memberships with various dental groups – and attended meetings until recent years.”
Outside of Bruce’s commitment to his patients, Bruce served on the Dental Board of Western Australia for six years. In 1994, The Australian Dental Association (WA Branch) recognised Bruce with a Distinguished Service Award.
Bruce has always been an active member of the dental community – serving on various dental groups. Bruce is a long-standing member of the Western Australian graduate chapter of Delta Sigma Delta – with his contribution recognised internationally. He has been a valued member of the Dental Study Group of WA, Australian Society of Prosthodontists, and the Australian Endodontic Society. He held committee positions with the UWA Dental Alumni Council and the National Dental Foundation. He is also a Fellow of the Academy of Dentistry International and a Member of the International College of Dentists.
Congratulations and thank you, Dr Barblett – for your remarkable contribution to dentistry.
