A DENTIST is swapping the drill for the putter as he retires from the profession after almost 40 years of service in Worcester.

Don Tipton has helped relieve the aches and pains of thousands of patients at St John’s Dental Practice over the past 37 years, but hung up his drill for the last time on Thursday.

The 64-year-old joined the surgery on May 24, 1976 – the day after his 27th birthday – having trained in Manchester, graduating in general practice in 1972.

He said: “I didn’t like Manchester city life. I was fed up of commuting. I had family in the Worcester area who were always struggling to find a dentist, so I decided to come down here.”

The father-of-three joined fellow dentist Paul Brookes at the surgery while it was in its infancy. He went on to specialise in advanced restorative dentistry after completing a course in London, as well as continuing his work in general practice. In 1988, the surgery won a civic award for an extension to its building, while it was also handed an accolade from DenPlan naming it practice of the year.

Mr Tipton, who lives with wife Pam near Leigh Sinton, has no firm plans for his retirement yet, but he hopes to spend more time with his family and pursuing hobbies.

The grandfather-of-two, who retired on his birthday, said: “I’ll miss people more than anything else. “I’ve got some lovely patients and most have probably been with me for as long as I have been here. “I’ll miss applying my skills and I’ll miss being of value in a certain way. I’ve got interests and hobbies – I’d like to travel more, see my grandchildren and I like my golf. “I’m interested in project gardening and keeping fit.”