09/08/2026
It is an emotional time. The end of 50 years of dentistry in Manly for me and for the first time in 68 years that there is not a Thomas practising in Manly.
Dad moved to Manly in January 1958, moving from Deniliquin in the Riverina. He had a practice on the Corso at the wharf end, up steep, narrow stairs – a cramped space but with an outlook over the old Hotel Manly.
I joined in 1976 and worked in the Corso rooms till I relocated in 1992.
My sister Robyn also did Dentistry but she became a specialist Endodontist and lectured at Sydney University.
My grandfather was also a dentist but retired before the relocation from the country.
Looking back on my patients I realised that many of them have been with me more than half my practising life.
At least 200 have been coming more than 20 years.
2 families we are seeing the 4th generation and at least 25 are in their 3rd generation.
I have been humbled by the messages in cards and emails. It has been a privilege to have been your dentist for so long and to have had your trust.
The practice has been lucky to have had a small select group of assistant dentists over the decades. Anita Cornwell, Astrid Kylstra, Stephen Neeson, Kealy Thomas (unrelated) and Aoife McDonnell.
A special mention to Stephen but with him in charge these last 5 years it has allowed me to ease into retirement. Either Stephen, Aoife or now Paul will look after you superbly.
Over the 50 years I have trained a lot of dental assistants. When I was young, I think I was avery good and patient teacher. Now days I am more of a grumpy old man.
Without excellence in the support staff my working day would not have been nearly as enjoyable, nor your experience at the front desk have been as straight forward with clear explanations from Epp or Dani.
Epp from Estonia has been my chairside and always knows what I need.
To Alijah who is Stephen’s assistant and sticks to his room because I’m too scary.
To Fiona for the effort put in to behind the scenes functioning.
And lastly to Dani, Hired 41 years ago by my mother. A wild young one but always with a heart of gold, coming from a good family. The 41years is not unbroken but after raising 3 children, travelling extensively and cultivating friends all over the world, she comes back. She is a wordsmith and tells it like it is. She gives sage advice to dentists, colleagues and patients alike.
She has a remarkable memory for names, your children’s names and what the family is doing.
I will miss the day to day camaraderie.
As well as the current team, I want to give a shout out to Courtney Leef who was with us for 20 years before turning her hand to construction, Emily Fraser, Natasha Roberts and Tina Rolfe.
I have always believed that dentistry is about education and bringing the patient along on the journey. I had a philosophy of presenting options but providing guidance not only for the treatment but also the urgency.
And finally, to my family, Ursula, Andy and Sarah (on the Central Coast), Julia and Janelle (in Paris at the moment) and grandchildren Hazel, Otis and Jens. They have put up with me being stressed in the days of running the practice. Now I will have more time to be part of their lives as well as getting back into bushwalking, photography and skiing if there is snow again.
I will miss your faces and stories and maybe we can catch up for a coffee.
This Facebook site in the future will only be for some of my photos, maybe Vivid or Sculptures. For practice information go to the new Manly Cove Dental social pages.
Thank you for being part of my journey.
