The Fayette County Chamber of Commerce recently paid a visit to the office of Dr. Warren Craig, DDS, to recognize him for celebrating 50 years in business.
Craig is a 1956 graduate of Washington Court House High School who then went on to study dentistry at Ohio State University. Following graduation from college in 1963, Craig spent some time in the U.S. Army as a dentist at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C.
“The hospital was one of the foremost practices during the time,” Craig said during an interview Tuesday at his practice. “I was there in November of 1965 when Kennedy was assassinated. All of those crowds of people, I was in them. The parade going down Pennsylvania Avenue, I watched from 14th Street. It was really something else, a very unique experience and interesting time in my life.”
When his service was completed, he returned to Washington Court House in 1965 to establish his practice in the old Masonic building. Eventually the prior dentist, whose practice Craig had joined, passed away leaving Craig to carry the torch. In 1969, he bought a piece of land that is now settled on the corner of Carolyn Road and Washington Avenue in Washington C.H.
“I actually took over another person’s practice, he was 84, and a lot of his patients stayed with me,” Craig said. “I have a few of his patients who say I’m only the second dentist they’ve had. There are a few still with me today. But by July of 1969 we were up and running. We have been here ever since.”
Craig said the changes over time, both technologically and technique-driven, have been easy to cope with thanks to continuing education courses. They have taught him how to utilize new technology and have continued to drive his business. One thing he has noticed for instance is the change in bonding that is used with fillings. It has alleviated the early leaking in fillings and made his job a bit easier.
“We at one point didn’t use gloves or masks, just because of the times,” Craig said. “It has been interesting to see all of the changes over the years, but they were subtle. Over the courses you just learn a little here and a little there. I would like to thank all of the people who have been patients of mine as well as that good bunch of chamber members. Years ago there was a doctor who said it right, ‘All my patients are friends, but not all my friends are patients.”
With all of his character and customer service, Craig is a great individual who said he attempts to do the best job he can do. It is thanks to those qualities that Craig has been able to stay in business for over half a century.
