Dr Jerry Asquith FCGDent writes a moving tribute to his friend and colleague Dr Simon Mark Gallier FCGDent, who passed away recently.
Dr Simon Gallier FCGDent, 1958-2026
The dental profession has lost one of its true characters with the death of Simon Gallier. Soldier, dentist, entrepreneur, innovator and friend, Simon lived a life that was anything but ordinary. He brought to dentistry the same courage, determination and vision that had characterised his remarkable military career, leaving a lasting impression on colleagues and patients alike.
Originally from Oldham, Simon qualified from Manchester Dental School in 1982 before joining the Royal Army Dental Corps. Although dentistry provided his professional foundation, military life quickly became his passion. After passing military parachute selection, he served with a Parachute Field Ambulance before becoming an infantry officer with both the Parachute Regiment and later UK Special Forces. Those experiences shaped the qualities that everyone who knew Simon recognised immediately: discipline, resilience, quiet confidence and, above all, unwavering loyalty.
On leaving the regular Army, Simon returned to dentistry, initially building successful general dental practices in North London while continuing his commitment to the Reserve Forces. His professional career flourished. He developed practices with particular interests in cosmetic dentistry, laser dentistry and facial aesthetics before moving his business to Harley Street. Never content simply to follow established paths, Simon was continually looking ahead to where dentistry was going next.
His entrepreneurial instincts led him to pioneer the provision of dental hygiene services within Superdrug, an innovative concept at the time. Later, as Clinical Director of one of the country’s largest dental corporates, he gained first-hand experience of large-scale dental management. Rather than accepting the prevailing corporate model, Simon drew his own conclusions and established Future Health Partnership, believing that practice owners should be able to retain their independence while receiving the management support increasingly demanded by modern regulation. It was a vision well ahead of its time and one that proved highly successful.
Simon also gave generously to the profession. He served as President of both the British Dental Laser Association and the Metropolitan Branch of the British Dental Association, and was elected to the BDA Representative Body, where many colleagues came to know him not simply for his thoughtful contributions but for his warmth, humour and willingness to help others.
He also supported the ambitions of the College of General Dentistry, of which he was a Fellow, and he enjoyed attending its regular summer gatherings. One of the College’s most generous donors, he gave both towards its initial establishment and to its later Coat of Arms Appeal.
I was fortunate enough to count Simon among my closest friends in dentistry for over twenty years. We first met after we were both elected to the BDA Representative Body, and from that moment a friendship developed that endured for the rest of his life.
One story perhaps captures Simon’s sense of humour better than any other. Before an LDC Conference in Sheffield, Simon mentioned that he wanted to attend but had neither accommodation nor an invitation. I managed to arrange both, including what turned out to be the only twin-bedded room occupied by delegates at the conference. The situation caused considerable amusement among our colleagues. Unknown to almost everyone, I had only recently undergone prostate surgery, while Simon had scarcely slept for five nights following the birth of his daughter. I retired to bed after the first course of dinner feeling distinctly unwell, and Simon, exhausted through lack of sleep, followed shortly afterwards. Needless to say, our unexpectedly early night fueled plenty of good-natured speculation the following morning.
Another treasured memory came when my beloved Luton Town reached the play-off final at Wembley. Simon, despite being a devoted Manchester City supporter, generously invited me to share one of the finest hospitality experiences at the stadium. On another occasion he visited Kenilworth Road to watch Manchester City play Luton. His final comment afterwards has always stayed with me. “I didn’t feel safe in the ground,” he said. Coming from a former Parachute Regiment officer and member of the Special Forces, that was quite a statement.
Behind Simon’s achievements lay an extraordinary generosity of spirit. He was endlessly curious, always enthusiastic about new ideas, and never afraid to challenge accepted thinking if he believed there was a better way. Yet for all his professional accomplishments, it was his loyalty that defined him. His military service had instilled in him a profound sense of duty, and his friends knew that, whatever the circumstances, Simon would always be there when he was needed.
Outside dentistry, Simon embraced life with characteristic energy. Whether competing in the World Triathlon Championships, climbing mountains or racing on skis towards the Magnetic North Pole, he approached every challenge with enthusiasm and determination. He lived by the mantra, “I care, I believe, I thrive,” and encouraged others to follow the paths that inspired them rather than simply conforming to expectation.
Simon leaves behind his devoted wife as well as two daughters and a son, together with countless friends and colleagues who were enriched by knowing him. Dentistry has lost an innovator and a leader, but those of us privileged to have called him a friend have lost someone far more important. He will be remembered for his courage, his generosity, his vision and, above all, his steadfast friendship.
He will be greatly missed.
This article was first published on GDPUK.com