This summer, I began my 32nd year practicing dentistry. At this point along a career path many people are anticipating retirement. I receive so much satisfaction caring for the needs of my patients and transforming smiles that retirement hasn’t yet appeared on my radar. The last couple of years, I have immersed myself in continuing education specifically to hone my skills in implant and cosmetic dentistry. I’m eager to share those services with my patients. I am privileged to have spent my career doing what I love and intend to continue serving my patients for many years to come.
I began this month of August helping my father check off an item on his bucket list by spending a week golfing together in Bandon Dunes, Oregon. My father, Dr. Larry Crabtree, is in his 88th year of life and hasn’t practiced dentistry for some time now, but he still enjoys a great game of golf. It was admiration for him and my grandfather, Dr. Glenn Crabtree that inspired me to become a dentist. Not only am I proud of the legacy my father and grandfather passed on to me, I am also eager to share this profession with the next generation. My son began dental school at my alma mater on July 1st. I was so proud to attend his “Welcome to the Profession” ceremony last month. As he walked across the stage and shook hands with the dean, I realized that a lifelong dream to practice together was within reach. I don’t know how many families can say that a profession has passed down through four generations, but it sure feels pretty special to me. As if that weren’t enough to be proud of, my son-in-law who graduated the top of his dental school class last year will be graduating from an Orthodontic residency in 2015. I bet you can guess what we talk about when we are together!
Even though I inherited a legacy of dentistry, I did not inherit a dental practice. My wife Kristy, who is the visionary in our practice, began dreaming our practice into existence upon our marriage in 1984. She has been my partner in building Crabtree Dental into the practice that it is today. As our practice grew, we found our patients had to wait weeks for an appointment, which concerned both Kristy and me. To satisfy this growing demand for quality dental care we knew we needed to expand our practice, but it would be several more years before our “home grown” dentist son would complete his educational training. And so, over the last couple of years we have welcomed Dr. Jared Wright and Dr. Cade Foust into our practice. As we have transitioned from a solo to a multi-dentist practice we have enjoyed the added expertise, collaboration, and flexibility this association has allowed.
In short, the present and future of Crabtree Dental is in good hands. We are committed to our practice and can truly say coming to work is a pleasure because we love what we do. As we launch a newly designed website that showcases our dental practice we look back with gratitude and forward with enthusiasm and passion for creating healthy smiles.
Dr. Ron Crabtree