Don Bishop will retire after 44 years as dentist
Photos by Tom Rivers: Don Bishop has worked as a dentist at 245 South Main St. since 1985. He is retiring on April 30.
ALBION – Dr. Don Bishop is retiring next week after 44 years as a dentist. Most of his career has been in Albion.
He started working as a dentist in the Navy for three years, and then followed that with four years in Brockport. For 37 years he has been a mainstay in Albion, first working out of a home office at 223 South Main St. for five years, and then shifting to 245 South Main, where he has had his dental office for more than three decades.
“I’ve tried not to make it painful or unpleasant for the patients,” Bishop said on Tuesday.
Using anesthetics makes the experience better for the patients. Bishop has also tried to make his office “feel like home and not so clinical.”
Bishop has run a general practice dentistry, doing teeth cleanings and fillings. At one time he also offered orthodontist services.
“I have really enjoyed the community of Orleans County,” said Bishop, who is a Brockport resident. “Out here the people are genuine and they make it easy to be a good dentist.”
He said he is grateful for the many friends he has made through his career. Bishop plans to stay active in Albion. He has been a member of the Rotary Club since 1981. He currently is the chairman of the Albion Strawberry Festival, the community’s big celebration the second Friday and Saturday in June.
“Those are two days that really put Albion in the limelight,” Bishop said.
He also plays the tenor sax in the Kendall Community Band and Hilton Gazebo Band, and sings in the choir for the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Brockport.
Bishop will have a retirement open house this Sunday at his dental office from 1 to 5 p.m.
Don Bishop, one of the Strawberry Festival organizers for many years, drives a car in the 2013 parade with a turtle in back. Bishop found a costume for the turtle to promote the Amazing Turtle Race in the canal. He also volunteers to be in a kayak and corral the plastic turtles during their race.
