Member Article

Smile! Stourbridge dentist retires after 39 years

One of the town’s longest-serving dentists has decided to take a break from the chair after nearly four decades looking after the teeth of local people.

Iain Dale officially retired from Worcester Street Dental Centre and Stourcote Dental Practice last week after putting the smile back on the faces of thousands of patients over a career that spanned 39 years.

The passionate Coventry City supporter has developed a reputation for making a trip to the dentists a pain-free experience, using his love of football, cars and sense of humour to take away much of the fear associated with the treatment.

He has been inundated with thank you cards and best wishes from his patients, who include famous singers, Lords and Ladies and people who have traveled from Cornwall, Wales and as far as Hong Kong to be treated by him.

“I qualified as a dental surgeon in 1976 at Birmingham University and my first career opportunity came as an associate at Stourcote Dental Practice in Lower High Street. That’s where my love affair with Stourbridge started,” explained Iain, who also chaired the Local Dental Committee for 5 years.

“Being a dentist has always been a vocation and I’ve loved getting to know my patients and making sure they feel at ease when visiting the practices for check-ups, emergency treatments or orthodontics…seeing how improving a smile can make such a difference to their lives is a fantastic feeling.”

Iain jointly owned Stourcote and Worcester Street since 2000, working with close friend and dental surgeon Rob Payne to make them two of the most popular private practices in the West Midlands.

They now employ a team of 21 people across the two locations, many of whom have worked there for a long time and contribute to creating the welcoming atmosphere.

This includes seven dentists supported by qualified and highly skilled hygienists and dental nurses responsible for the dental care of hundreds of children and adults every week.

Maria Sotto-Mayor is joining to look after Iain’s patients, as the practice looks to continue its recent expansion that has seen it become fully computerised and offering the latest implant technology in orthodontic and cosmetic care.

Iain concluded: “I want to say a big thank you to all the patients for their cards and good wishes and I know the two practices are in good hands to continue to deliver the excellent service we are known for.

“Now is the time to do more skiing and travelling, watching the ‘Sky Blues’ with my daughter Imogen and completing the 268-mile Pennine Way Walk with my wife Julia. That’s the next big challenge!”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Russ Cockburn .