Dr. Philip Lewis, the owner of Avenue Road Dental Practice in Freshwater, has died at the age of 73. Recently honored with an MBE for his contributions to oral cancer awareness and the Mouth Cancer Foundation, he was a respected figure in the dental community.
As a past president of the Mouth Cancer Foundation, Dr. Lewis was deeply involved in the charity since its founding. He dedicated his career to promoting the importance of early detection of mouth cancer, continuing his educational efforts for both dental professionals and the public until just weeks before his passing.
Dr. Lewis began his career in dentistry after qualifying in London in 1977. He worked in general practice and served as a clinical assistant in the hospital service. He was also a member of the Editorial Advisory Board for Private Dentistry and Aesthetic Dentistry Today magazines. His commitment to postgraduate education earned him several awards, and he was an active member of various professional dental societies.
In addition to his practice, Dr. Lewis was a long-standing member of the British Dental Association, where he also served as a media spokesperson. He was recognized in the Dentist of the Year Awards and frequently lectured fellow dentists on clinical innovations and practice management.
On September 25, Dr. Lewis received his MBE from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle, a fitting recognition of his dedication to the field.
Dr. Vinod Joshi, founder of the Mouth Cancer Foundation, expressed deep sadness at the news of Dr. Lewis’s passing. “Philip was a terrific champion of highlighting the importance of checking for mouth cancer,” he said. “He was a stalwart of our foundation, supporting our charity goals from the very beginning.”
Dr. Lewis is survived by his wife Joy, daughter Chloe, and a wide network of family, friends, and colleagues. The Mouth Cancer Foundation shared a statement, noting, “Philip’s memory will forever inspire those who knew him and those who continue to push the boundaries of raising awareness of mouth cancer. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”
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