By Naomi Lai
In 2005, newly married and dreaming of our future, Dudley and I decided it was time to buy our own dental surgery. We wanted somewhere close enough to Sydney for family and good Asian food, but also a place where neighbours looked out for each other, kids could play cricket or basketball on the street, and we could one day afford a home with a yard big enough for a dog and a trampoline.
When a small dental surgery came up for sale in Helensburgh, we took the leap. Dudley began work there just after his 30th birthday, and a few weeks later we moved into a rental. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of our lives.
Looking back now, 20 years have flown by.
We bought the surgery from Dr Susan Cole, bought our home two years later, and welcomed three beautiful children – Tim (2007), Jayni (2009) and Sarah (2011). We’ll always be grateful to Kids Korner for the love they poured into our little ones, and to the dedicated teachers at Helensburgh Public School. Our children have been blessed with deep friendships through mothers’ group, Thistles Soccer Club, and Helensburgh Anglican Youth.
Dudley has worked full-time in Helensburgh throughout, while also pursuing further studies in orthodontics, implants and even a Master of Divinity. Dudley has always felt blessed with his clientele and many of his patients are now like old friends. We’ve been lucky to work alongside incredible staff. The loyal team we inherited from Sue helped us find our feet, and today we’re proud to have a skilled and diverse group including three part-time dentists (Dr Farah Diba Tahity, Dr Marianela Gonzalez and Dr Andrew Makram), nine absolutely wonderful local dental assistants, and five after-school assistants – three of whom are our own kids.
While raising our young family I retrained as a lawyer and now work with the National Justice Project, a not-for-profit human rights firm that reflects our values. I still manage the business side of the surgery, while Dudley oversees clinical care and infection control.
Helensburgh has given our family so much – friendship, support, and a place to call home. We’re deeply thankful for this wonderful community, and for everyone who has been part of Dr Dudley Lai Dental Surgery over the past two decades. Here’s to 20 years gone, and to whatever the next 20 bring.
October is NSW Small Business Month. Find local events at www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au and for local networking opportunities, join the Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce
