Chalmers, William Edward (Bill) (1924 - 2001)

Summary

William Edward (Bill) Chalmers was a prominent member of Australia's dental industry and a recognised orthodontics expert. He was a founding member of the Dental Alumni Research Foundation and helped fund and establish the Dental Alumni Research Centre at the University of Melbourne. One of his biggest contributions was directed towards the welfare of his colleagues: Chalmers played a pivotal role in the development and expansion of the Professional Provident Fund superannuation scheme of the Australian Dental Association, Victorian branch.

Details

Even though William Edwin (Bill) Chalmers began his dental studies in 1940, he did not graduate until 1949. His studies were interrupted from May 1943 to February 1945 because of the war. During this period Chalmers served with the Australian Navy in Australia, Colombo, Ceylon, and in the Pacific. He was even present at surrender by the Japanese and received three medals for his service. Back in Australia and at the University of Melbourne Chalmers completed Bachelor of Dental Science and set up a general dentistry practice around 1950. By 1952 he had became an orthodontics specialist and he and his practice developed a sound reputation in the field.

Throughout his career, Chalmers was heavily involved in the various national and international dental societies including the Australian Orthodontics Society, the Australian Dental Association (especially the Victorian branch) and the international College of Dentists. He was also a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy (an international honorary dental association) and a founding member of the Dental Alumni Research Foundation.

Chronology

1940 - 1943

Career position - Started dental studies, University of Melbourne

1943 - 1945

Military service - Second World War - Australian Navy

1949

Education - Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc), University of Melbourne

c. 1950 - c. 1952

Career position - Established a private general dentistry practice in East Malvern, Victoria

1952 -

Career position - Practice changed to an orthodontics specialist clinic

1967 -

Career position - Trustee, Professional Provident Fund of the Australian Dental Association

1976

Career position - Deputy Chairman, Professional Provident Fund of the Australian Dental Association

1980 - 1989

Career position - Chairman, Professional Provident Fund of the Australian Dental Association

1988

Award - Regent of the Australian Section of the College of Dentists

1989

Award - Award for Distinguished Services, Australian Dental Association, Victorian branch

1991 - 2001

Career position - Treasurer, Australian Section of the College of Dentists

2000

Award - Philippine Liberation Medal

Published resources

Resources

• CA 2002, 2 Echelon, Army Headquarters; CA 46, Department of Defence [III], Central Office, 'NAA: B884, V158950', B884 Citizen Military Forces Personnel Dossiers, 1939-1947, National Archives of Australia, RecordSearch, https://RecordSearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/AutoSearch.asp?O=I&Number=6236447. Details
• 'Chalmers, William Edwin (1924-2001)', Trove, National Library of Australia, 2009, https://nla.gov.au/nla.party-1475665. Details