Frans H.M. Kroon, DDS, PhD, MDSc (1941-2025)
Fellow of the International College of Dentists since 1998
Say “Frans Kroon”, and one says “ICD”.
Within the International College of Dentists there are individuals whose name becomes inseparably linked with the College itself. For the European Section, Frans Kroon was such a person. His passing marks the loss of a devoted Fellow whose vision, leadership and humanity have left a lasting imprint on the ICD in Europe and far beyond.
Frans was inducted as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists in 1998 in Bergen, Norway, having been proposed by Dr. Jan Pameijer, Past President European Section. From that moment onward, his commitment to the College was profound and enduring. What began as fellowship developed into a lifetime of service to the ideals and international spirit of the ICD.
Over the decades, Frans fulfilled a remarkable number of roles within the European Section and the College worldwide. He served as Regent for the Benelux District from 2000 to 2007, as Secretary General (now Registrar) of the European Section from 2002 to 2009 and for many years as a highly respected International Councillor, serving from 2003 until 2018. In these capacities, his insights were consistently valued and often decisive. He possessed a rare ability to listen carefully, weigh considerations thoughtfully and articulate a course that commanded trust and consensus.
Frans also served as Vice-President of the European Section in 2007–2008 and subsequently as President in 2009–2010. His presidency marked a defining moment in the history of the European Section. The European meeting and congress he organised in 2010 has since become an anchor point in our collective memory and by many often described as a turning point between the development of the European Section from its founding in 1955 and the course it would take thereafter.
During these years, Frans was accompanied and supported by his wife Ineke, whose presence became warmly familiar to Fellows across Europe and beyond. During international meetings and congresses, she played a gracious and invaluable role in welcoming Benelux Fellows and partners, ensuring that newcomers felt at ease and at home within the ICD family. Many will remember with affection the informal Benelux gatherings that Frans and Ineke hosted alongside official programmes These were moments of friendship and hospitality that strengthened the bonds of fellowship and created lasting memories for all who attended.
Under Frans’ leadership, the European Section embraced a clearer and stronger humanitarian focus. With quiet conviction and unwavering commitment, he helped guide the ICD in Europe toward a more explicit and active engagement in humanitarian service. This orientation, which he championed with both vision and modesty, has since become integral to the identity of the European Section and continues to inspire its work today.
In recognition of his exceptional service and leadership, Frans was nominated Master of the International College of Dentists in 2010, one of the highest distinctions the College can bestow. Further acknowledgement followed with the Distinguished Service Award and the Meritorious Award in 2018, reflecting the deep respect he commanded throughout the College worldwide.
Beyond formal offices, Frans served the ICD in another distinctive way. On multiple occasions he acted as Master of Ceremonies during convocations and official gatherings. He fulfilled this role with a rare serenity and dignity that reflected both the traditions of the ICD and his own personal character. His presence lent solemnity and warmth in equal measure, and many Fellows remember these moments with deep appreciation.
Throughout his long service, Frans remained a figure of continuity and trust within the College. He combined intellectual clarity with genuine modesty, authority with kindness, and a steadfast sense of responsibility with deep humanity. He respected the contributions of those who had preceded him and in turn earned the respect of colleagues across generations. For many within the European Section and internationally, he became not only a leader but also a trusted friend.
On behalf of the International College of Dentists and its European Section, we express our profound gratitude for the life and service of Frans Kroon. His contributions have shaped the College in lasting ways, and his influence will continue to be felt in the humanitarian spirit and collegial strength he helped to foster.
For the European Section, his name will remain forever synonymous with the ICD.
On a personal note, Frans will be remembered not only as a defining figure of the College, but as a presence of rare loyalty, wisdom and friendship which is deeply valued and profoundly missed. Those who knew him well will also remember the quiet moments when, seated at the piano, he revealed another dimension of the harmony and sensitivity that characterised his life and his fellowship.
Walter van Driel
Past President European Section
ICD Service Record Dr. Frans H.M. Kroon
- 1998– Inducted as Fellow of the International College of Dentists, European Section, Bergen, Norway
- 2000 – 2007– Regent, Benelux District
- 2002 – 2009– Secretary General, ICD European Section (now Registrar)
- 2003 – 2018– International Councillor, European Section
- 2007 – 2008– Vice-President, ICD European Section
- 2009 – 2010– President, ICD European Section
Honours and Distinctions
- 2010– Nominated Master of the International College of Dentists
- 2018– Distinguished Service Award
- 2018– Meritorious Award