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British Dental Journal volume  233, page 459 (2022 )Cite this article

David Hallows Worskett born Antwerp 5 May 1952, died peacefully 10 July 2022 aged 70.

David attended Bradfield College, graduated from Hertford College Oxford, and joined the Civil Service, working in the Departments of Environment and Transport for 15 years. His experience included transport policy, international aviation negotiations and representation of the UK in the EU.

In 1989, David joined the RAC board as its Corporate/Public Affairs Director and was heavily involved in overall business strategy and acquisitions work. He ensured the RAC, ahead of almost the entire motor industry, took environmental issues seriously. He established the RAC Foundation primarily for that purpose and remained a Trustee for many years. Upon the RAC's break-up, David led a government-backed review into the governance and future strategy for the UK engineering sector before heading the Engineering and Technology Board as Chief Executive for two years.

In 2001, David moved back to the South West as Commercial Director of Bevan Ashford, helping restructure the business into Bevan Brittan LLP and establishing a new strategy and direction that holds good to this day. In 2007, David returned to London but remained a non-Executive Director for three further years. David's final executive role was as Chief Executive of the NHS Partners Network, the trade association for private healthcare companies working in the NHS. He retired in 2013 having steered the sector through the 2012 NHS reforms during which he gained the confidence and trust of the most senior leaders in both the NHS and private healthcare sectors.

In retirement, David had several roles, including chairing two healthcare trade associations, advising a search consultancy, and working with Private Equity firms.

As founding chair of the Associated Dental Groups (ADG), David quickly appreciated the importance of a patient-centric approach for ADG members. He also recognised the importance of collaborating and establishing good relationships with stakeholders including the BDA, GDC, CQC and NHSE, while building the number of member organisations from 3 to 17 - approximately 8% of the dental market when he joined and 20% upon his retirement.

David combined humour and generosity of spirit, with a sharp intellect and an appreciation for common sense. His major lifetime interests were classical music, opera, literature, good wine, as well as countryside and environmental issues. David is survived by Pamela, his wife of 41 years, and their children Louisa and Hugh.

David Hallows Worskett. Br Dent J 233, 459 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-5034-8

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-5034-8

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British Dental Journal (Br Dent J) ISSN 1476-5373 (online) ISSN 0007-0610 (print)