By NICOLE VALICEK
AFTER 50 years as a practicing dentist, Dr Roland (Ronnie) Goldberg OAM has hung up his drill for the last time.
The 75-year-old made the hard decision to retire and sell his dental surgery in Electra St, Williamstown, which has housed the popular dentist for 40 years.
“I’ve developed some amazing friendships over the years and it was a hard decision to make. I could have kept going but there were still things I wanted to do,” Dr Goldberg said.
He leaves behind a legacy that the residents of Williamstown and Hobsons Bay will never forget – an ability to make people smile despite being in a chair that many people dread.
Dr Goldberg graduated from the University of Melbourne on 22 February 1961 with a Bachelor of Dental Science.
Fresh out of university, the former St Kilda resident worked as an assistant dentist in Doncaster, before moving to London where the demand for Australia dentists was high.
After more than a decade he returned to Australia and had a new ambition to open his own practice which presented itself in Williamstown where he bought a practice in 1973.
“It has been the most wonderful 40 years, I’ve loved it. Loved the people and their relaxed attitude to life without watching the clock all the time.”
Dr Goldberg has also played an active role in the Williamstown Community and Rotary.
He was awarded the OAM in 2002 and was nominated for Australian of the Year in 2004 and subsequently Senior Citizen of The Year.
“Via the Rotary Club of Williamstown I have been able to achieve many community goals.”
Dr Goldberg said he leaves knowing he achieved his main aim, to make everyone comfortable in his dental chair.
“I want to thank all of my patients for their friendship and their loyalty. I’m going out on a high.”
“I have been humbled by the letters and good wishes that I have received from my patients wishing me well in retirement.”
“So many of them have said the same thing that is they were always treated as a friend rather than just a patient.
Dr Goldberg said he is looking forward to retirement to continue his interests in other diverse fields as well as further Rotary community projects.
