A DENTIST and 'gentle soul' who has cared for generations of Middlewich families is retiring after 35 years at the same practice.
On Thursday, August 27, David Reeves hung up his drill after more than three decades at Crown Dental Care in Middlewich, where he built a reputation as a highly respected NHS dentist and employer.
The 66-year-old, originally from London, graduated from the University of Manchester in 1984 and went straight into practice.
He bought the Lawrence Avenue surgery in 1991 and remained at the helm until selling the business in 2018.
However, such was his commitment to patients and colleagues, he stayed on as an employee of the new owner before gradually reduced his working hours over time.
Among those paying tribute is practice manager and former dental nurse, Ruth Barthorpe, who has worked alongside David for 28 years.
She said: "Everyone was so fond of him, I think he didn't want to disappoint people by leaving.
"He's slowly reduced his days over the years, up to this point of fully retiring.”
David marked his final day at the practice with a meal out alongside colleagues.
Ruth said his impact on the town extends far beyond caring for people’s teeth.
"David has employed tens of dentists, and many, many nurses and other staff, mostly from Middlewich," she said.
"He has got so many patients who all think the world of him.
“He is by anyone's standards a really, really good dentist.
"We've had to introduce his retirement very delicately.
"We started sending emails out a couple of months ago letting people know, because we knew there would be a backlash."
The announcement prompted a flood of well-wishes from patients, many of whom had been treated by David for decades.
"Since then, so many people have been coming in with cards, gifts, wine, all sorts," Ruth said.
"He is a wonderful boss and a really gentle soul.
"There are staff who have been here as long as he has because people just don't want to leave."
Over a career spanning more than four decades, David has treated thousands of patients, many of them through the NHS.
"We are predominantly an NHS practice, which is important to him," said Ruth.
Away from the dental chair, David is a husband, a dad of three, and a grandfather of one.
His wife is a GP, and he is looking forward to spending more time with his family in retirement.
Golf is expected to occupy some of his newfound free time also
"He absolutely loves golf, so I expect he will be practising that a lot," Ruth said.
"But I understand his wife might have a list of jobs for him to do around the house.
"He will be sadly missed, but everyone here sincerely wishes him all the very best for the future.
"We all hope he makes the most of his well-deserved retirement."
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