IT HAS been a busy 70 years for a city dentist that began in the home of a family of six.

It is safe to say the apple does not fall far from the tree for the Clarke family whose third-generation dentists will be celebrating seven decades of Shrubbery Dental Practice.

The practice on Shrubbery Avenue started in the Clarke family home in 1954 when Geoff Clarke noticed a lack of dentists in the region. 

Geoffry Clarke is outside his home and at his dental practice. Geoff Clarke is outside his home and at his dental practice. (Image: Shrubbery Dental Practice) He then decided to transform the two front rooms of the house into surgeries while he, his wife Coila, and four sons lived in the rest of the property.

Nearly 70 years later, the practice has undergone many renovations and investments to keep up with the times.

Mr Clarke's daughter-in-law, Sally-Anne Clarke, and granddaughter, Jessica Crawford-Clarke, now run the business and are proud to say the dental surgery is thriving instead of surviving.

REENACTMENT: Many years later, Geoffry Clarke is standing outside the practice. REENACTMENT: Many years later, Geoff Clarke is standing outside the practice. (Image: Shrubbery Dental Practice) "The current climate has been difficult and we are very grateful for the support and loyalty of our wonderful patients," said Mrs Clarke.

"Many independent dental practices were forced to close down due to the pandemic and its lasting impact.

"We are so proud to have been able to weather the storm and thrive rather than survive in its wake.

Sally-Anne Clarke and Jessica Crawford-Clarke are proud to be at the helm.Sally-Anne Clarke and Jessica Crawford-Clarke are proud to be at the helm. (Image: Shrubbery Dental Practice) "Costs have risen, as with all sectors, but we maintain the ethos of providing the best clinical care and customer service possible, which sometimes means this cannot be avoided.

"Being a family and striving to treat patients like family has always been very important to us and this may be the cornerstone to our longevity."

FLASHBACK: The practice back when it first opened.FLASHBACK: The practice back when it first opened. (Image: Shrubbery Dental Practice) The team will celebrate the 70th anniversary by undertaking 70 events, accomplishments or improvements for their patients, team, community, and environment.

Each will be teased in its monthly newsletter along with the arrangements for a soirée for its patients. 

Mrs Crawford-Clarke added: "We have lots of ideas for the future, including facial aesthetics and providing specialities so that our patients can access all their needs under one roof.

"We are always keen to grow and currently have availability for new patients looking for a new dental care provider. 

"Our mission is to make a difference in our patients' lives by creating positive experiences and attaining and maintaining dental health and happiness for a lifetime."