Vale Dr Russell Clifford Lain OAM
BDS (Syd) DipForOdont (Melb) FFOMP (RCPA) FACBS FICD FPA

Dr Russell Clifford Lain OAM was one of Australia’s most distinguished forensic odontologists and a highly respected member of the Sydney Dental Hospital community.

Dr Lain grew up in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, completing his high schooling at Sydney Boys’ High, where he sat for the High School Certificate in 1971, gaining a Commonwealth Scholarship allowing him to enter The University of Sydney Faculty of Dentistry in 1972, from where he graduated in 1977.

He joined Sydney Dental Hospital as a dental specialist on 15 October 1998. He was appointed as a Senior Clinical Specialist as a recognition of his extraordinary service contribution from 16 May 2017, a position he held until he retired on 18 June 2021. Since then, he continued his association with the service as a visiting dental officer with A/Prof Chris Griffiths and his team providing valuable support for disaster victim identification.

Over this illustrated career span, he contributed significantly to the advancement of forensic odontology, oral health services and professional education. Academically, he was involved in the Oral Surgery department research programs and was author and co-author of 17 publications, some of which impacted directly on the Oral Surgery Department. A graduate of The University of Sydney Faculty of Dentistry (BDS, 1977), Dr Lain commenced his dental career in private general practice in Swansea on Lake Macquarie before pursuing specialist training and qualification in forensic odontology at the University of Melbourne.

It was whilst working and living in Swansea that he became a fluent Thai language speaker, a skill which served him well during his work during the Thai Tsunami disaster aftermath. He became one of a small number of recognised forensic odontologists in Australia and devoted much of his professional life to supporting the identification of deceased persons through forensic dental science.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr Lain made an extraordinary contribution to disaster victim identification and forensic investigations in Australia and internationally. He participated in major disaster responses including the Bali bombings and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in Thailand, helping provide certainty, dignity and closure to grieving families. He also worked closely with the NSW Coroner, police services and forensic agencies in the identification of missing persons.

For his contribution to the field of Forensic Odontology, Dr Lain was honoured by prestigious Fellowships of:

• Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA), Faculty of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (FFOMP, RCPA)
• Australasian College of Biomedical Scientists (ACBS) (FACBS)
• International College of Dentists (ICD) (FICD); and
• Pierre Fauchard Academy (PFA) (FPFA).

Dr Lain’s service extended beyond healthcare into military and national service. He was a member of the Royal Australian Navy Reserve since 1997 and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He also served with the Australian Army’s Unrecovered War Casualties and War Graves program, contributing to the recovery and identification of Australian service personnel missing from past conflicts, including those from the Second World War and Vietnam War. His work helped reconnect families and communities with their loved ones many decades after their loss.

At the time of his passing, Dr Lain served as:

• Specialist Forensic Odontologist, Dental Board of Australia.
• Member, New South Wales Forensic Dental Identification Unit.
• Member, Unrecovered War Graves Commission, Australian Army.
• Lieutenant Commander, Royal Australian Navy Reserve.
• Senior Clinical Specialist, Sydney Dental Hospital.

In recognition of his outstanding service to dentistry and forensic science, Dr Lain was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division on 26 January 2019 for his “service to dentistry”. The award recognised decades of dedication to forensic odontology, public service, defence service and professional leadership.

Among his many career highlights and honours were:

• Australian Federal Police Commissioner’s Certificate of Recognition (2016).
• Foundation Fellowship, Faculty of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (2012).
• Australian Federal Police Operations Medal (2009).
• Chief of Navy Commendation (2008).
• New South Wales Police Certificates of Merit (2003 and 2008).
• New South Wales Government Meritorious Service Award (2006).
• Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (2006).
• Induction into the International College of Dentists (2008).
• Induction into the Australasian College of Biomedical Scientists (2002).

Colleagues knew Dr Lain not only for his remarkable professional achievements but also for his kindness, humility, generosity and willingness to share his extensive knowledge with others. Through his work at Sydney Dental Hospital, The University of Sydney, forensic services, defence organisations and professional bodies, he mentored generations of clinicians and contributed significantly to the standing of forensic odontology in Australia. When asked many times what he got out of such a macabre field. His answer was always great satisfaction in helping others gain closure, particularly grieving families.

Russell was always cheerful and had a positive outlook upon life. The advice given was always sound and he was totally dedicated to his work in whatever field he was working in. He was always willing to go the extra mile. Above all he had a very good sense of humour which obviously carried him through some of the most disturbing sites he must have witnessed.

Dr Lain’s legacy extends far beyond his many awards and accolades. He leaves an enduring contribution to Sydney Dental Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, the dental profession, forensic science and the Australian community. His work brought dignity to the deceased, comfort to families and honour to the professions and organisations he served. Dr Lain also worked closely (over a decade ago) with the Health Services Union (HSU) to secure a new pay scale for dental officers. He was a great believer in social justice and a staunch union member.

Sydney Local Health District extends its sincere condolences to Dr Lain’s family, friends and colleagues. He will be remembered with great respect, gratitude and affection by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. His passing has left a gaping crevasse in the hearts of those who knew him best and he will always be remembered as true and loyal friend, who could always be relied upon for support and help, no matter the situation.

Dr Lain is survived by his long-time partner, Michie, her children Patrick and Emily and two grandchildren.