Memory Lane — My Father

My late father, Dr. Philip Simon, grew up in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, attended Mount Allison University, and obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1945. He then moved to Halifax to attend Dalhousie Dental School and received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 1949.

After graduation, Dr. Simon drove a mobile dental unit through the remote areas of Cape Breton Island — including the well-known Cabot Trail — to serve the needs of local communities. In 1950, Dr. Phil opened his dental practice on Commercial Street in Glace Bay, serving a town of 24,000 people with very few dentists. The hours were often demanding, but the small-town custom of getting to know his patients on a personal basis became his trademark.

Community work was important to Dr. Phil. He was actively involved with the Police Boys Club, the Masons, Rotary International, and the Cape Breton Dental Society, where he served as President. He was instrumental in bringing fluoride to the town's water supply and in setting up dental services at the local seniors' home.

Dr. Phil had a passion for dentistry that spanned his entire career. He set the example in the dental community by regularly taking continuing education courses and staying current with the latest changes in technology — especially when it came to equipment.

On a personal note, I embrace dentistry with the same enthusiasm as my father. My goal is to strive for the same core principles of dedication and perfection that he exemplified.

— Dr. Mark Simon