Tributes are being paid to a well-known and highly respected Isle of Wight dentist, following his death.

Dr Philip Lewis owned the Avenue Road Dental Practice in Freshwater and was recently presented with an MBE, in recognition of services to oral cancer and the Mouth Cancer Foundation.

Philip was also past president of the charity and has been involved with it since its inception.

He devoted his career to highlighting the importance of checking for mouth cancers and was continuing to educate the dental profession and the general public right up until a couple of weeks ago.

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Philip's involvement in dentistry began when he qualified in London in 1977.

He worked in general practice and as a clinical assistant in the hospital service.

He was on the Editorial Advisory Board of both Private Dentistry and Aesthetic Dentistry Today magazines, has received awards for commitment to postgraduate education, and belonged to a number of professional dental societies.

In addition, Philip was a long-serving member of the British Dental Association and acted as a media spokesperson.

He has been short listed in the Dentist of the Year Awards and has lectured to other dentists on clinical innovations and practice management issues.

He did all this alongside running the single-handed private dental practice in Freshwater.

Philip received his MBE from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle on September 25.

Mouth Cancer Foundation founder Dr Vinod Joshi said: “Philip was a terrific champion of highlighting the importance of checking for mouth cancer.

"He was also a Mouth Cancer Foundation stalwart being involved from very early on supporting our charity goals and dreams. This is such sad news”.

Philip is survived by his family, friends and countless colleague.

A statement from the foundation continued: "Philip’s memory will forever inspire those who knew him and those who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in raising awareness of mouth cancer.

"Our thoughts are with our fellow ambassadors, his wife Joy, daughter Chloe and whole family at this time.

"Rest in peace, Dr Philip Lewis. You will be greatly missed."