Dr. Ronald A. Bell

Dr. Ronald Allen Bell, Professor of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics at the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, died at his Johns Island, SC home Tuesday, July 29. Dr. Bell is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marti; his son Matthew Allen Bell of Charleston; his sister Mary Marguerite Attuso of Baton Rouge, LA; and his sister-in-law Jane Hall Harmon of Augusta, GA; and his brother-in-law Robert Sherrill Hall of Baton Rouge. He was preceded in death by his parents Mr. and Mrs. David James Bell of Baton Rouge, and his sister Susan Bell Scott.
Dr. Bell was born in Baton Rouge, LA July 7, 1947. He was educated in the East Baton Rouge Parish public schools, graduating from Baton Rouge High School in 1965. He attended Tulane University and graduated from LSU in 1969. Dr. Bell received his D.D.S. from LSU in 1973. At the same time he earned a M.Ed from what was then known as LSUNO.
After serving 3 years in the US Army Dental Corps, Dr. Bell returned to New Orleans to earn a Certificate in Pedodontics at LSU (1978). In 1987 he earned a second specialty Certificate in Orthodontics at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA.
After spending his early career teaching at MCG in both Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Dr. Bell accepted the position of Chairman of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics at the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine, MUSC. He held that position until 2004. During and after that time he has been the Director, Postgraduate Program in Pediatric Dentistry, Children's Hospital and College of Dental Medicine, MUSC and Director, Postgraduate Program in Orthodontics, College of Dental Medicine, MUSC.
Dr. Bell was a former president of The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and of the College of Diplomates, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He was a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, and a Fellow of the American College of Dentists. He was selected for "America's Top Dentists" Award 2003-2013 and "America's Top Teachers" Awards 2004-2013 and was selected Outstanding Alumnus, Louisiana State University School Of Dentistry 2002.
Ron Bell's achievements could fill several columns, but as his many friends, family and colleagues will attest, he was a man of many parts. He loved a good party, good music and good food. He had a vast knowledge of specialty beers and his collection of beer bottles fills many shelves. He could talk about great meals he remembered from Galatoire's, Peninsula Grill, The Bon Ton, Middendorf's and hundreds more restaurants. Every spring, Ron and his friends met at the New Orleans Jazz Fest under their LA/SC flag. He had even become a very fine painter in oils.
The Governor of South Carolina recently bestowed The Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor, upon Dr. Bell for his contributions to the people of the state. His friends and colleagues have established the first named endowment at MUSC, the
Dr. Ronald A. Bell Endowment in Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. Also a lecture series is planned to honor his legacy.
The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at the Hollings Cancer Center and Ashley River Tower, MUSC, as well as Hospice. Love and thanks to the Bell's Angels. And to all who helped to speed the NG Tube to Johns Island, a special hug.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be sent to the Ronald A. Bell Endowment for Pediatric and Orthodontic Dentistry, MUSC Foundation, 18 Bee St., MSC450 Charleston, SC 29425.
A memorial event will be held in Charleston at a later date.