ST. MATTHEWS -- An era in Calhoun County came to a close at the end of 2007 when a longtime St. Matthews dentist retired.

Dr. Vernon Lake had served St.. Matthews and Calhoun County for 51 years.

"For years I filled a hole when there was no other dentist in the county," Lake said. "I had a successful practice that served several generations."

Lake's son, Robbie, joined him in the practice 21 years ago and continues to provide family dentistry to St. Matthews and the surrounding area.

Originally from Pelzer, Dr. Vernon Lake moved to Orangeburg at an early age and graduated from the old Orangeburg High School. He went on to complete dental school at the University of Maryland and then opened his practice on Bridge Street in St. Matthews.

The town had been without as dentist for two years when he came to town, Lake said, and he started working the first day he opened. He said he's seen many changes during his years in dentistry including innovations such as implants; high-speed turbines, which mean less "chair time" for the patient; aesthetic dentistry and water fluoridation.

Lake and his wife, Clarise, have been married for 52 years and have known each other since they were 12 years old. They have four children, Robbie, Larry, Beth and Kathy, and 11 grandchildren.

Lake says in retirement he is spending his time traveling and is very active in church and civic affairs. In his church, he has served as a Sunday school teacher, a deacon and on volunteer missions for disaster relief during 9-11 and in the aftermath of hurricanes. Lake also serves with Relay For Life and is a member of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, the American Dental Association and the South Carolina Baptist Hospital Board.

T&D Correspondent Larry P. Jordan can be reached by phone at 803-874-3276. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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