In an era where people are always looking to change jobs to move ahead in their field, working for 54 years at one thing can be hard to imagine. For Jean Parks, though, the ever-expanding field of dentistry and her co-workers kept her interest for her entire career, up until her recent retirement from the business.
After responding to a simple newspaper ad in 1962, Parks found herself working as a dental assistant for Dr. Hiram Laws in Chattanooga. Parks was a mere 20 years old, and wasn’t quite sure what she was getting into.
“I hadn’t ever worked in an office, so I had a lot to learn,” she said. “There was a lot to take in, but I wanted to learn as fast as I could.”
Parks isn’t sure what made Laws hire her on that day; she didn’t have much work experience, let alone as a dental assistant. Nevertheless, that day started her 54-year career with Laws and later with Dr. Paul Carico.
“The longer I stayed, things advanced more in dentistry,” Parks said. “I could do more, but I had more training required of me.”
Initially, Parks could only keep the instruments and office clean. As time passed, she was handed more responsibility.
“Dental assistants do so much more now than then,” said Parks. “It definitely became interesting work and something to be passionate about.”
One thing Parks said she’ll look back on fondly was the recognition she received from Laws’ and Carico’s clients around town. People would occasionally recognize her while she was out, and they always had good things to say, she said.
“I enjoyed my patients, and I think I have a good relationship with many of them,” said Parks. “I hope I had a positive effect on them. I wanted to do the best I could for the doctors and patients, and I worked at it every day to make it easier for everyone.”
Parks was known for taking her work seriously, even when her bosses were more lighthearted. She told of one incident when she became upset that she had broken a thermometer used in the development of X-rays.
“It scared me to death, and I went up to Dr. Laws real upset and apologized, and he just laughed,” she said.
That concern over doing a good job permeated Parks’ work life. Carico described her as “one of the best workers” he’d ever had, and said her retirement was well deserved.
Carico and his office are planning a celebration in honor of Parks’ retirement. All are welcome to attend. It is being held April 3o from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call the Chattanooga Center for Comprehensive Dentistry at 756-1540 for more information.