Honouring the vision and generosity of Dr. Reginald and Mrs. Pamela Hession
The Australian Dental Research Foundation gratefully acknowledges the enduring generosity and vision of Dr. Reginald Hession AM, DDSc, MDS, FDSRCS(Eng), KLJ, OMLJ, and the late Mrs. Pamela Hession, whose support has made a lasting impact on dental research and education in Australia.
In 2006, Dr. Hession made a significant donation to the Australian Dental Research Foundation, establishing a dedicated investment fund to support excellence in dental research and higher education. Since 2006, the initial “seeding grant” has grown through continued donations and careful investments by ADRF, to provide ongoing research grants for Australian dentists, to advance the pool of dental knowledge worldwide.
A Distinguished Career
Dr. Hession’s career was marked by leadership and service at both national and international levels. His contributions include:
Chairman of the Australian Dental Research Foundation (1991–1998) and previously Chair of its Research Advisory Committee and Board member.
Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS) and Honorary Fellow in Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of England (FDSRCS Eng).
Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to dentistry and education.
Knight and Officer of Merit of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem (KLJ, OMLJ), reflecting his commitment to humanitarian and charitable causes.
Honorary Member of the American Dental Association, recognising his international influence on dental standards and education.
Published Author: These include various publications in Australian and world dental literature. Following the completion of a five-year research investigation in Endodontics, he submitted the essence of his Doctoral thesis in four scholarly papers, for publication in the prestigious American Journal “Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology”. They were published “in seriatum” as four successive papers, which reflected the quality of their content.
The first exposure of the FDI (World Dental Federation) to Australian dentistry “en-masse” was the FDI Annual Session/ Australian Dental Congress, held in Sydney in 1973. On that occasion, Dr Hession was commissioned to develop and present the Scientific Programme to Australian and international attendees. It was from this experience that Dr Hession’s interest in international dentistry was so stimulated, that his 30+ year journey into a new professional path commenced.
Subsequent exposure to FDI embraced his ADA role as Delegate to the General Assembly, followed by Commission and Committee activities. It was here that his interest in education was recognised by his election to the Scientific Programme Committee of FDI, as Vice-Chairman to Professor L M Sreebney (USA), Chairman. Following Professor Sreebney’s retirement from office after two terms, Dr Hession was appointed Chairman and added a further successful six years, to the work of the Committee. This embraced developing and presenting “cutting edge” Scientific Programmes at a succession of 12 World Dental Congresses in major global cities spanning venues in Europe, the Nordic Countries, the Far East, North and South America and the Pacific Rim.
Other significant activities embraced by Dr Hession included his two terms as Member of the FDI Council and his election to the role of FDI Speaker, who controls the “General Assembly of Delegates” (and sundry others up to 800+), over two days. The “General Assembly” is conducted in five languages, with the aid of simultaneous translation provided by interpreters and modern electronics.
In the year 2000, he was elected to Membership of the “FDI List of Honour”, which was conferred at the Ceremonial Opening of the FDI 100 year anniversary World Dental Congress, held in Paris. This honour is limited to 30 “living” persons at any one time however, this figure has never been known to exceed 20.
A Legacy of Opportunity
Having personally experienced the challenges of accessing advanced education early in his career, Dr. Hession’s donation was made with the intention of easing that path for future generations. Following the passing of Mrs. Pamela Hession in 2014, the award was renamed to honour her interest and support.
Today, their generous contribution continues to fund research excellence, enabling Australian dental professionals to undertake doctoral studies, post-doctoral projects, and international research collaborations.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Hession and the Hession family for their continued support. Their generosity reflects a shared vision for a profession that values excellence, education, and opportunity.