"I started as the second youngest (in Taree) and finished as the second oldest," Charles Everingham said.
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Charles got his first dentistry job in Taree in February 1981 working with Max Deveraux at number 6 Pulteney Street, and as of Tuesday, September 17, he officially retired from the practice.
"I never wanted to be the oldest dentist in town," he laughed.
Making people want to smile is all part of his charm, having been responsible for the maintenance of many Taree teeth over his 38 and half years as a dentist.
Charles is a third generation dentist after his grandfather, Colin worked in a practice in Nabiac (having been from the area), and his father, Charles who practised in Sydney.
I never wanted to be the oldest dentist in town.
- Charles Everingham
As a child, Charles spent a lot of time in his dad's practice, so it seems natural for him to have taken up the white coat, but it wasn't his first choice.
Charles went to university for chemical engineering, then biological science, but lack of work in the field turned his focus to dentistry. When he finished at 27 years of age, he looked for work where he could get it, which turned out to be in Taree.
"Dentist jobs were hard to come by in the '80s," Charles explained.
But Taree suited him well, as his father had bought a dairy farm just outside of town in the '50s and Charles was able to live in one of the houses.
"I never expected to be here for my career," he admitted. "But I believe you need to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves."
In 1983, Charles bought the practice from Max and thus stayed in Taree, building life-long relationships with his patients - so much so, he has multiple generations come to see him.
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According to dental assistant Ellen Gassman, some of Charles' patients have been seeing him their whole lives and are quite distraught that he's leaving.
"People have been crying," Ellen explained. "He's such a gentle man."
The reaction to his departure has been overwhelming for Charles.
"I never really thought they thought that much of me. I never expected it," he said. "You do your job to the best of your ability. I'm touched by how kind the people of Taree are."
I'd really rather have a chat than work on their teeth.
- Charles Everingham
Over the years, Charles has built up quite the rapport with patients, often spending time chatting about his favourite hobbies, like classic automobiles.
"I'd really rather have a chat than work on their teeth," he smiled.
He often shares stories of his own, telling one patient about his childhood love of marble cake, which resulted in him being presented with a chocolate and vanilla delight during their routine appointment.
"I've met some fascinating people. Sometimes it'd be good to just plunk them down in the chair and have a chat," Charles laughed.
It's this part of his career he's going to miss most, the people and friendships he hopes to take with him when he goes.
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But he'd put the plan to retire in motion about four years ago, not wanting to end up like his father.
"He worked until the day he died," Charles said. "I wanted to go out on my own terms."
About 18 months ago, he sold the business, which he'd relocated to 24 Pulteney Street about five years ago, and he's been winding down ever since.
After he finishes up on Tuesday, he's off to Spain and Portugal for four weeks with his wife, with hopes of doing plenty more travelling in the future.
"Wherever the Romans have been and gone, I want to go," Charles laughed.
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