50 years and beyond at Croydon Orthodontic Practice for John Sawyer
NewsPosted by: Dental Design 13th June 2022
What were you doing in 1972? And this year? Specialist Orthodontist John Sawyer can answer the same to both questions as he has just celebrated a half century of working at Croydon Orthodontic Practice.
The practice was founded in 1972 in South Croydon by Specialist Orthodontist Pat McDonogh, and the practice is now situated next to the railway station in Blunt Road. It has cared for more than 100,000 people in the Croydon area.
Specialist Orthodontist John Sawyer said, “I qualified as a dentist in 1969 and then travelled to Australia to do my Masters in Orthodontics. When I returned to the UK in 1972 I answered an advertisement in the British Dental Journal and the rest as they say is history!
John continues, “The orthodontic landscape was very different in those days. Back then there were Consultants in hospitals, a few Specialist Orthodontists, but most care was provided by GDPs. We also didn’t get paid until the end of treatment – perhaps an interim payment of £50 or so but this meant we worked as GDPs too to make ends meet.”
Coming into the practice after 50 years isn’t difficult for John. He explains “I love working with the kids – that hasn’t changed. 50 years may sound a long time but it has flown by – we are a social bunch and Croydon Orthodontic Practice has always been a happy place. It is not uncommon for me to now treat the grandchildren of some of my first patients – that makes me feel a little mature but also delighted to have helped 3 generations of the same family.”
Asked what he enjoys now that wasn’t around in 1972, John responds, “There is just so much more information now. Photography is much better and X-rays are also much easier. You also have 50 years of learning to fall back on.”
Away from the practice John is a keen amateur guitarist and can often be found at open mic nights. Painting is also a passion.
As you might expect, tributes to John have poured in from the many patients that he has treated in the last 50 years. One of particular interest to dental professionals will be that from Specialist Orthodontist Bushra Ahmad.
Dr Ahmad said, “I can still remember my first consultation with you and how you made me confident in my 14 year old self. As I came to make decisions about university and career choices I remember coming to speak to you about dentistry as a career. You gave me so much encouragement and support you facilitated so much to make everything easier for me. I remember the week I spent with you seeing how you loved what you did and your passion. I remember being enthralled and hoping to be able to sustain the same.
“Fast forward 11 years and I came to meet Tim in the hope of a job in South Croydon. I was absolutely bowled over when you walked into the surgery. The best bit: you were exactly the same. Still passionate about what you did and enjoying yourself thoroughly along the way. You became a good friend and colleague, a most wonderful mentor and confidante. And, over all these years, your passion and commitment never wavered and you still remained a source of inspiration to me.
“John you are my friend, my mentor and will always be my inspiration. From you I have learned so much and I hope in the same way you encouraged and nurtured me I can do the same for those who follow behind me. John Sawyer you are an absolute legend.”
Practice Principal and Owner of Croydon Orthodontic Practice, Tim McDonogh commented, “I have worked with John for more than 30 years and have known him all my life. This is a very special moment which comes with an immense amount of gratitude. I grew up with John as he worked alongside my father and he is an integral part of the success of the practice today.
“It’s amazing to see the progress and improvement in our patients’ oral health over the past 50 years. I find it really rewarding to see how we have helped people in the community, and I am very proud of everything we have achieved. We look forward to many more years of John looking after our patients and here’s to another 50 years of helping Croydon smile!”
