Tribute to Dr. John W. McLean

“Irreplaceable” … “a departed father” … “a great man” … “a great dentist” … “a brilliant mind” … “a great conversationalist” … “a first class orator” … “an outstanding person” …“the innovator” … “leading light of world dentistry” … “a wonderful and special person” …“the end of a great life” … “a great man of our time” … “a giant” … “the end of an era” …“passing of a legend” … “a sensational individual” … a strong supporter of the European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry.

These were just a few of the many comments and remarks made from all corners of the world within 24 hours of the passing of a great man who was a husband, father, grandfather, scientist, academic, researcher, clinician. The Innovative ideas and concepts, some too much before their time, such as alteration of the dentin layer by acidic acrylic in 1953, the bonding of porcelain to metal in the 60ʻs, the advent of high-strength aluminous cores in the 70ʻs alongside the development and clinical utilization of the glass ionomer cements and the list goes on and on are part of this chapter. Volumes could be filled with the biography, curriculum vitae, anecdotes, stories, photographs that would only partially represent the unique individual that was John McLean.

For a man known for his oratory skills (he was, after all, an admirer of Sir Winston Churchill), and aesthetic use of the English language, for once, any words seem inadequate, almost pathetic, when attempting to describe the man behind the legend, for that is what John was, a legend (defined as mythical or supernatural beings). John had the power, the knowledge, the insight, and the conviction, to continually buck the trend, to go against traditionalists, to “think outside the box” (did he also invent that concept?). He followed Sir Winstonʼs ideal: “A man does what he must – in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures – and that is the basis of all human morality.” Only a legend can endure the pressures of constantly breaking new ground for almost 7 decades.

John McLean now joins his dearest friends, Ed Jeansonne, Lloyd Miller and Peter Scharer and can finally have that long-awaited discussion with Sir Winston Churchill who said “I am prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.” Dr Mac, thanks for everything … you will be missed … but never forgotten. 

David Winkler, United Kingdom
Family, Friends &
The European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry


Speakers

1996: Peter Schärer
1997: Willi Geller
1998: Lloyd Miller
1999: Ivor Mjor
2000: Bernard Touati
2001: Nicola Pietrobon / Stefan Paul
2002: Dennis Smith
2003: Dan Nathanson
2004: Gerard Chiche
2005: Robert Winter
2006: Mike Wise
2007: Harry Prieskel
2008: Mauro Fradeani
2009: Edwina Kidd
2010: David Winkler
2011: Christian Stappert
2012: Stephen Chu
2013: Sandro Palla
2014: Van Thomson
2015: Dan Nathenson
2016: Kenneth Malament
2017: Markus B. Blatz
2018: Irena Sailer / Vincent Fehmer
2019: Stefano Gracis
2022: Galip Gurel
2023: Matthias Kern

Tribute to Prof. Dr. Peter Schärer, M.S.

Prof. Dr. Peter Schärer participated in a generation that forged modern dentistry. Professor Schärer was a driving force among true and great giants that included; Gerald Kramer, Jan Lindhe, Sig Socransky, Morton Amsterdam, Frank Celenza, John McLean, Jack Preston, Peter Dawson, R Sheldon Stein, Saul Schluger, Herb Shillingberg, Peter Dawson, George Zarb, Lloyd Miller. Ralph Youdelis, Ralph Phillips, Willi Geller and H.W. Haase. Prof. Schärer actively debated and was a driving force for more knowledge and proof in the fields of Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Occlusion, Implant Dentistry and Dental Materials. The excellence we enjoy today in the profession and in patient care worldwide, is directly related to their curiosity and passion. This was the greatest generation and we all owe our careers to them.
Professor Schärer did not only enjoy podium prosthodontics he was passionately dedicated to his vision and to the University of Zürich, recruiting many of the great minds and young talent to learn with him and grow the specialties of Prosthodontics, Periodontics and Dental Laboratory Technology. He brought together individuals who are our generation’s greatest teachers and Professors. No individual Professor in Prosthodontics has produced more great leaders than Peter. Fritz Kopp, Urs Belser, Carlo Marinello, Jörg Strub, Konrad Meyenberg, Ueli Grunder and others have set standards as formally trained specialists that we all follow today. Peter’s expectations for excellence and world class Dental Technology and education developed Alwin Schönenberger, Arnold Wohlwend and Nic Pietrobon. The International College of Prosthodontics and the European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry both were forged in his image.

He was named a professor and head of the department of Crown and Bridge Prosthodontics and Dental Materials of the University of Zürich Dental School. His many students and fellow faculty members rejoiced in his supreme clinical talents, academic curiosity, inspiring lectures and his close and interrogating conversations. As a world recognized professor, Dr Schärer presentations emphasized many different concerns in prosthodontics including ceramics, color, occlusion, periodontics and esthetics. He was known for his challenging inquisitive debate, common-sense dentistry, humor, and a strong ethical message. He not only helped produce many fine prosthodontists, Peter was a champion for the dental laboratory industry and trained and inspired many world-class technologists. He created one of the first, and certainly the one of the finest graduate program in Dental Technology worldwide.

He is survived by his wife Saiko, and his daughters Lilly and Isabelle. Peter and Saiko were a team and very much set a standard for many to learn from. They were protective of each other and that allowed Peter to accomplish even more.
It is difficult to sufficiently recognize and commemorate the accomplishments and devotion that Peter Schärer had for his University, the Academies he was so active in, Esthetic Dentistry, Prosthodontics, his students and dear colleagues. Peter was a teacher’s teacher, a Doctor’s Doctor, a friend’s friend and a great Swiss gentleman who had an abiding love for his beautiful country. The profession and society is better for the life he shared with us.
A life’s accomplishments can best be valued by what one gives back to society.
By that measure, Peter, you could not have given us more and your legacy is profound. We could not be more proud of you and we can only hope that you would always remain proud of us.

Prof. Dr. Kenneth Malament, Boston, USA
Family, Friends &
The European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry

These were just a few of the many comments and remarks made from all corners of the world within 24 hours of the passing of a great man who was a husband, father, grandfather, scientist, academic, researcher, clinician. The Innovative ideas and concepts, some too much before their time, such as alteration of the dentin layer by acidic acrylic in 1953, the bonding of porcelain to metal in the 60ʻs, the advent of high-strength aluminous cores in the 70ʻs alongside the development and clinical utilization of the glass ionomer cements and the list goes on and on are part of this chapter. Volumes could be filled with the biography, curriculum vitae, anecdotes, stories, photographs that would only partially represent the unique individual that was John McLean.

For a man known for his oratory skills (he was, after all, an admirer of Sir Winston Churchill), and aesthetic use of the English language, for once, any words seem inadequate, almost pathetic, when attempting to describe the man behind the legend, for that is what John was, a legend (defined as mythical or supernatural beings). John had the power, the knowledge, the insight, and the conviction, to continually buck the trend, to go against traditionalists, to “think outside the box” (did he also invent that concept?). He followed Sir Winstonʼs ideal: “A man does what he must – in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures – and that is the basis of all human morality.” Only a legend can endure the pressures of constantly breaking new ground for almost 7 decades.

John McLean now joins his dearest friends, Ed Jeansonne, Lloyd Miller and Peter Scharer and can finally have that long-awaited discussion with Sir Winston Churchill who said “I am prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.” Dr Mac, thanks for everything … you will be missed … but never forgotten.

David Winkler, United Kingdom
Family, Friends &
The European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry


Case Presenters

1996: Peter Schärer
1997: Willi Geller
1998: Lloyd Miller
1999: Ivor Mjor
2000: Bernard Touati
2001: Nicola Pietrobon / Stefan Paul
2002: Dennis Smith
2003: Dan Nathanson
2004: Gerard Chiche
2005: Robert Winter
2006: Mike Wise
2007: Harry Prieskel
2008: Mauro Fradeani
2009: Edwina Kidd
2010: David Winkler
2011: Christian Stappert
2012: Stephen Chu
2013: Sandro Palla
2014: Van Thomson
2015: Dan Nathenson
2016: Kenneth Malament
2017: Markus B. Blatz
2018: Irena Sailer / Vincent Fehmer
2019: Stefano Gracis
2022: Galip Gurel
2023: Matthias Kern

Willi Geller, MDT

Mr. Geller is a master ceramist and dental technician from Zurich, Switzerland. Through the visionary power of his dental restorations, he has significantly influenced aesthetic awareness in dentistry for many generations of dental technicians and dentists. He has created rules and guidelines in dental aesthetics for technicians as well as dentists that are still considered revolutionary today. He has innovated and influenced the development of numerous techniques and materials, including the platinum foil technique, Geller cutback technique, ceramic shoulder, Geller-wing technique, lateral segmental layering technique, preparationless veneer, and ovate pontic site development. The Geller model, Creation ceramics, and Creapearl denture teeth are only a few of his evolutionary accomplishments that have revolutionized how our profession practices dentistry today. He has not only been a pioneer in esthetic and perioprosthetic dentistry; he has also been the voice for dental technology and the dental technician. He defined the importance of cooperation between the clinician and technician while improving patients’ oral health and self-image in a time when it was not in vogue.But even more important was his establishment of the Oral Design
movement, which created giant ripples on the shores of every continent. He has dedicated his life to young professionals around the world, encouraging and pushing them to be the best that they can be and to share their knowledge and information with everyone around the world. He ha been a true teacher in dentistry and in life, stimulating the dental 
technician and clinician to not only think for themselves but to observetheir surroundings and to become humble to the universe and its greatness. He has taught us a new way of treating patients as human beings. He is recognized in the dental field as “Maestro”, the true teacher, and his ideas and concepts are followed and disseminated by outstanding international technicians and clinicians. This is the Maestro Willi Geller that our profession is honored to know.

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– Douglas A. Terry, DDS, Texas, USA
Family, Friends &
The European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry


Case Presenters

2018: Dr. Douglas Terry and Willi Geller
2019: Giuseppe Romeo, MDT
2022: Nicola Pietrobon, CDT
2023: Sam Alawie, MDT