Lab pioneer passes on

Innovator and dental laboratory pioneer, George Port, passed away in his sleep on 11 March, aged 82. George was well known as the proprietor of G.H. Port Dental Laboratories in East Sydney for many, many years and is survived by his wife and business partner of 40 years, Ruth.

"George passed away peacefully in his sleep," Ruth said. "He led a good and adventurous life and was one of the true innovators in the dental laboratory business.

"He literally introdced cosmetic dentistry into Australia with Portrait porcelain veneers and we backed up the laboratory side of the business with cutting edge continuing education from the top speakers in the world.

"We first brought out Ray Bertolotti 16 years ago and since then, thousands of Australian dentists have heard him speak."

The couple also brought out Gorden Christensen, Linda Miles, Howard Farran, Walter Haley, David Hornibrook and many others numerous times and were true pioneers in establishing a credible resource of continuing education outside of the universities.