The School of Dentistry and the Dental Hospital were saddened by the sudden loss of Gerry Flaum. Gerry was an associate specialist in Oral Surgery until 2013 and was a much-loved teacher and clinician.

He was a gifted oral surgeon and one of those clinicians that people went to if they had problems. He was always available to help and took a keen interest in the welfare of staff and students. Gerry qualified from Sheffield Dental School in 1972 and then worked in general dental practice in the Birmingham area. It was in 1979 that he took up a part time position in the Dental Hospital working in the oral surgery department. He started at the same time as another former colleague, Richard Caddick who also went onto become a valued teacher and clinician. 

The dental students respected Gerry. He was an enthusiastic teacher and many students owe their clinical training in oral surgery to Gerry. His standing amongst the students was recognised when he was elected President of BUDSS (Birmingham University Dental Students Society) for the year 1986/87. Clinically, he was a important member of the team in Oral Surgery and organised many dental postgraduate courses over the years.

His specialist area was sedation and the courses were often oversubscribed. Many dentists and patients in the West Midlands have benefited from his care and knowledge over the years. Outside dentistry Gerry loved his sport and was an avid follower of Tottenham Hotspur FC. He was so pleased with the recent upturn in fortunes and would have relished the European Champions final even though the result would not have been to his liking. 

Gerry enjoyed his retirement and visited many different places including New Zealand which was one of his favourite parts of the world. His funeral saw a great gathering of past colleagues and present friends. The eulogies paid testament to how well-loved Gerry was and also to his caring and positive attitude.

Thanks for the memories Gerry and you will be missed.