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Professor, Dr. Odont. Ivar Espelid died on the 19th of December 2017, at the age of 66 years. Ivar was qualified as a dentist at the University of Bergen in 1975. In 1982 he completed his specialist education in Paediatric Dentistry and in 1987 defended his PhD dissertation “Radiographic diagnoses and treatment decisions on approximal caries”. During his academic career he became an outstanding leader within the field of Paediatric Dentistry.

Ivar Espelid was Professor of the Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Head of the Institute of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen from 1993 to 2002 then Head of the Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Behavioural Science University of Oslo from 2002 when he and his wife, Professor Anne Bjørg Tveit, moved to Oslo.

Ivar was an internationally acclaimed in the field of Paediatric Dentistry, not only in Norway, but also throughout Scandinavia and the rest of Europe. As EAPD Councillor for Norway he was Head of the Clinical Affairs Committee leading the work of developing guidelines/guidance for the Academy, a task he always performed in a scientific manner. The EAPD’s “Guidelines for use of radiographs in children” and “Best Clinical Practice Guidance for clinicians dealing with children presenting with Molar-Incisor-Hypomineralisation (MIH)” have been read by many Paediatric dentists and scientists worldwide.

As a researcher he was efficient. He was editor of the 3rd edition of the textbook “Pediatric Dentistry—A Clinical Approach" and author of several book chapters; he was co-editor of Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, and author of more than 100 scientific publications.

Ivar was a preferred opponent/external examiner for dissertations and a member of many committees. His work capacity was great and he met new tasks with enthusiasm. He was open-minded and a network-builder, a person many would like to have as collaborator.

Although he had an impressive academic career, students and colleagues mostly will remember Ivar as an excellent lecturer due to his extensive knowledge and pedagogic qualifications. He supervised several students, specialist- and PhD-candidates who are all thankful for his contribution. His engagement was always in the best interest of the child, an invaluable and essential characteristic for Paediatric dentistry.

With an instinctive authority Ivar was a natural leader. He had an extensive knowledge in many subjects, a person we could ask and consult in all matters—his door was always open.

Ivar died after a short period of illness. We who worked with him every day are still in shock and in deep sorrow. Ivar left his office full of optimism in September 2017—he would soon be back. Unfortunately, he did not return.

Ivar was unique, a generous and friendly person and a cornerstone in our departments. All these years with Ivar as Head and colleague have been enriching and inspiring. Our thoughts go to his beloved family, his wife Anne Bjørg, his children Eirik and Gro and his grandchildren.


In deep respect and with sincere gratitude, rest in peace.

On behalf of the Departments of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Oslo and Bergen,

Anne Skaare

Arne E. Jacobsen

Anne Rønneberg

Marit Slåttelid Skeie

Magne Raadal