A DENTAL surgeon who has cared for three generations of families is hanging up his drill after decades serving a market town.

A DENTAL surgeon who has cared for three generations of families is hanging up his drill after decades serving a market town.

Dr David Rose, 64, from Stowupland, has worked at the Violet Hill House health centre since 1974.

He has cared for thousands of patients and today specialises in looking after children and the handicapped.

Dr Rose, who retires tomorrow, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my job and I will miss it. My emotions are very mixed and part of me wants to stay, part wants to go.

“I was really planning a short stop in Stowmarket when I came, but never left. I love Suffolk, it's fantastic, relatively peaceful, the people are so friendly and I married a local girl.

“Through the years I have had some patients who are three generations, I have cared for the grandparents, the mothers and fathers, and their children.

“I have also made several personal friends among them. I have enjoyed working with people more than anything.”

Dr Simon Rudland, a GP at the health centre, said: “He will be hugely missed. His commitment to families has been valued by both his patients and all his colleagues.

“It is very sad he is no longer here, especially when dental health is so important and where NHS dental services are under a great deal of strain.

“As a practice we are very grateful for all he has done and wish him well for his retirement.”

Dr Rose cares for patients who other practices might find more challenging because of their physical handicaps, or extensive medications they are taking.

He trained at Liverpool University and the Royal College of Surgeons of England, in London, and before moving to Stowmarket worked in Lancashire and Luton.

He is married to Margaret and has two children, a stepson and two grandchildren, with a third on the way.

Dr Rose now plans to spend more time with his family and his church commitments, travelling, cycling and creating a model railway.

Have you benefited from Dr Rose's care? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk