Asked why she chose what could have been described as an unusual career for a woman in the ’70s, Robyn Jordan names her doctor father as her inspiration — as well as an interest in science.
Mrs Jordan, nee Hunter, graduated with a bachelor of dental surgery degree from the University of Otago in 1977.
Three years later, having worked as a dentist, the former Southland Girls’ High School pupil established her own practice in Windsor in 1980.
She was one of 13 women in her graduation year, which was uncommon in the day — so much so, that a photo of them appeared in the local newspaper showing them welding, which they did when working with metals.
"People have a totally different mindset now towards professional women," she said.
She and husband Lindsay have three children: Mark (34), an accountant; Peter (31), a dairy farmer; and Cathy (29), who is well known for her cycling feats and is a children’s play systems innovator.
Although Mrs Jordan built the Windsor practice in Invercargill from scratch, when the children arrived it was time to share the practice to enable her to achieve a work-life balance.
"Dentist Harvey Robertson (BDS) joined the practice in 1984, resulting in the formation of Jordan & Robertson Dental about 1986, and we have worked together very happily for all these years."
The key to sustaining a dental practice and profession alongside children and family was life-work balance, which her husband and mother helped her achieve, she said.
"Lindsay has always been very supportive and helpful, as was my mother."
One of the main challenges in today’s world was the cost of dentistry for customers, as well as the cost of running a practice, which was extremely high.
Although there was help for those who had a community services card or were on a benefit, Mrs Jordan said there needed to be more help for more people to access dental treatment.
She added that although there was free dental care for people up to the age of 18, not enough people took advantage of it. Asked why, she said: "Maybe people were scared of going to the dentist, or they didn’t recognise the need of regular dentistry.’’
Oral care was as simple as moderating sugar, or having it with meals, and cleaning teeth really well twice a day, she said.
Dentistry was always changing, which added to her enjoyment of the profession.
"There have also been incredible advances in material and technology and there is always something to learn."
One of the biggest changes was the amount of paperwork — compliance, accountability, computerisation.
However, her highlights throughout the decades have been the people and the satisfaction of doing a good job, restoring someone’s smile and easing pain and infection.
"I have had lovely patients, as well as staff and working as a team.
"Talking to people is one of my strengths ... Building relationships and talking to people is important to help them to relax."
In the early 2000s, Mrs Jordan helped campaign for fluoride in the drinking water, which she credited with making a huge difference in reducing cavities.
She also volunteered as a dentist on a humanitarian mission which took teams of medical professionals (primary healthcare, dentistry, optometry, ophthalmology) and general volunteers to Fiji and Samoa.
She was also proud of her practice’s contribution to the Windsor Mall, which in conjunction with Russell Cunningham Properties was completed in 2007.
"It is lovely to have a beautiful surgery with a view of Bluff Hill."
Heavily involved with the New Zealand Dental Association, Mrs Jordan has served on the association’s national board, regularly taking part in continuing education, and will still be a part of its mentorship programme to help new graduates in their first year or two, she said.
Still a member of the Southland branch, she has had every role, including president, secretary, treasurer and board member.
"I have worked 42 years in dentistry, 39 in my own practice"
It was now time for her to focus on different things, although she was still available for locums, she said.
"It’s been a privilege. I thank all my loyal patients over all the years. And thank the laboratories, dental specialists, firms and various people who have been a part of my team, especially the dental assistants, and administrators.
"Jordan & Robertson continues, under Harvey Robertson and Rachel Ward, so my patients are being very well looked after."
