Tamara Herdman

Staff reporter

From a one-man practice to a growing dental team, John Twaddle has spent five decades helping generations of Eastern Bay families smile.

When John opened East Bay Dental in Whakatāne on September 5, 1976, he had been out of dental school for just six months.

Fifty years later, he is still enjoying the work, having watched the practice grow from a small operation into an established business with six dental surgeries in Whakatāne, a branch in Ōpōtiki and a team of about 20 staff.

John bought the original practice from the estate of Maurice Witchley, a dentist who had operated from Victoria Street in Whakatāne.

One of the things he values about the practice today is being able to work alongside other dentists, including his son, Nicholas.

Today, advances in technology mean dentists can scan a computerised image of the mouth to produce dental restorations much more quickly.

“It’s a rare combination of art and science. You get a chance to make people’s lives better,” he said.

Technology has transformed the profession over his 50 years in dentistry.

Today, the practice has a dedicated room full of sterilisation equipment, alongside modern technology such as three-dimensional X-rays, digital scanning and computer-controlled milling machines.

The practice has also expanded beyond Whakatāne, establishing a branch in Ōpōtiki that now has two dentists.

John said the branch had improved access to dental care for people in the surrounding area, including patients travelling from the East Cape.

The practice has also worked to make dental visits more comfortable for people who feel anxious about treatment.

John said the environment, artwork and staff all played a part in helping patients feel at ease. The building itself dates back to 1908 and has been adapted and expanded over the years to accommodate the growing practice.

Away from dentistry, John has an interest in classic cars and owns three Morris Minors, including a rare lilac model. A photograph of one of the cars is displayed in a dental surgery, providing a talking point for patients.

After half a century in the profession, it is still the work itself that keeps him interested.

“I still get a buzz out of treating patients,” he said.

Fifty years on, John has seen major technological advances, the growth of his practice and generations of familiar faces come through the door.

East Bay Dental continues to serve families across the Eastern Bay.