When I walked into Dr. Carmichael’s dentist’s office, I was immediately aware of the fun, friendly atmosphere that can make clients and visitors feel at home. I was greeted warmly by the office manager, Janet, who gave me a walk through the office that Dr. Carmichael decorated with a nautical theme. His collection of antique and historical dentist equipment includes electric toothbrushes from far back as the 1940s, bottle openers, a pump drill, and antique dental furniture, including a 1928 dental X-ray machine that was used before the dangers of radiation were known.
Dr. Carmichael is the third dentist to take over his practice. The first dentist was Dr. York and he was followed by Dr. Tye. The original Lane County Dental Society started in 1913 with 12 dentists, including Dr. York. Dr. Tye joined Dr. York’s practice and became a society member in 1919. This was the same year every member of the society pledged to take care of one indigent child every month. These members would also volunteer their services at the Elk’s Dental Clinic and later at the Woman’s League Dental Clinic.
Before joining the practice in 1968, Dr. Carmichael served in Vietnam working in a forward area dental tent. While I was at his office, he let me examine a piece of shrapnel from a Russian rocket that hit his tent, as well as a picture of the crater outside the tent where the rocket hit.
Dr. Carmichael said the biggest change during his time in dentistry is that dentists used to stand to work on patients and they only had one dental assistant who did a number of jobs in the office. Today, each dentist can sit while they work on their patients and they need several staff members to run their office.
One of the biggest honors Dr. Carmichael received in his career was when he was awarded the Lane County Glen Purdy Distinguished Dentist Award, which honors one’s dental career as well as service to the community. Dr. Carmichael served as LCDS’ president in 1985. When he does finally retire, he will continue to do volunteer work.
View full January/February 2022 Newsletter
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