Rodney Beresford Dockrell,who has died aged 85, came from a Dublin family well known for important contributions to the commercial life of the city.
These contributions were notably in the great Builders Providers store that once adorned George's Street, and also to Irish politics through elected representatives like his father Henry Morgan, and his two brothers Maurice and Percy, all of whom served as Fine Gael TDs.
Rodney, however, displayed a characteristic independence of mind by opting for a career in medical and dental science.
After completing his secondary education at Kingstown Grammar School, he entered Trinity College Dublin in 1938, determined to follow his unusual dual course to a successful conclusion. He duly obtained his MB in 1944 and by 1954 he had been awarded a mastership in dental science.
A postgraduate year at Harvard brought him into formative contact with the latest American research into cranial-facial growth development and laid a firm foundation for his later lecturing, research and notably skilled practice in orthodontics. After returning to Ireland he sought and found a rich field for further study in the "closed" population of the Aran Islands.
He also developed a deep affection for Connemara, where he and his wife spent many happy vacations in the holiday home they built at Ballyconneely near Clifden. Here he acquired skills as a trout angler on nearby lakes.
Specialist training for the young clinician was provided by the eminent Prof Sheldon Friel, said to have been the first orthodontist to practise in Dublin. Friel had a house in Fitzwilliam Place and Rodney, in informal partnership with him, opened his consulting rooms under the same roof. He built up a successful private practice.
The Sixties brought wider responsibilities and saw his elevation to the top of the professional tree. In 1964 he gave up private practice on appointment to the chair of orthodontics in TCD, a post that he held until 1986.
Hard on the heels of this promotion came the directorship of TCD's school of dental science, a major responsibility which lasted from 1965 until 1980. His professorial status entitled him to a Trinity fellowship, which was duly awarded in 1974. He was also a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. After receiving his chair, he was also appointed chief consultant of the Dublin Dental Hospital. When a new faculty of dentistry was established in the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, Rodney was appointed its first dean. He was also president of the metropolitan branch of the Irish Dental Association.
Highly respected in the dental profession, Rodney in his turn became the mentor of the rising generation, one of whom, greatly appreciative of his qualities, said he found his instruction "most insightful". His creative influence was not confined to Ireland. He served as Ireland's representative on the General Dental Council in the United Kingdom and, through the European Orthodontic Society, maintained personal contact with colleagues abroad, particularly in Norway and Sweden.
Medicos have to keep up appearances and Rodney, with his well-polished shoes and Trinity Association bow tie, was a particularly neat and dapper dresser. His older clothes were kept for gardening - a hobby that he pursued with enthusiasm and marked success.
Much in demand as an after-dinner speaker, he was noted for his sharp wit and was not averse from raising a quizzical eyebrow when discussing the sacred cows of his profession.
He also possessed a deep knowledge and appreciation of modern Irish art and his musical taste was wide enough to embrace both chamber music and Wagner. A strain of tough competitiveness in his make-up became apparent over the chess board, where he played a strong attacking game as a student on the Trinity team and later in Dublin leagues as a member of Rathmines Chess Club.
He also enjoyed a game at his own fireside, where the welcome was always warm and considerate, but over the board no quarter was ever asked or given.
Rodney died in St James's Hospital after a short illness. He was particularly privileged in the enjoyment of a long and happy marriage with his wife Adrienne, daughter of the late Canon H.G. Forde, one-time rector of Monkstown parish church in Dublin. Adrienne was an accomplished singer in her youth and a spouse who fully shared her husband's interest in music.
Rodney Dockrell is survived by Adrienne and their four children, Hazel, Hayes, Derek, and David, and their grandchildren Vicky, Simon, Lucy, George, Ben and Killiant.
Rodney Beresford Dockrell: born July 1st, 1921, died June 11th, 2007