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A Changing of the Guard: The Little City Bids Farewell to Dr. Greg Maurer

photo by Cookie Steponaitis Greg Maurer shakes hands with the new dentist in town, Dr. Derek Cimler who purchased his practice on New Haven Road in the Little City.

Tuesday November 13, 2012

By Cookie Steponaitis

When Greg Maurer first heard of Vergennes, Vermont it was through a “want ad” in a dental journal.  A graduate of the University of Buffalo class of 1973, Greg had found his career and passion for helping people using dentistry through a family friend. He was fascinated with his career choice, encouraged by his friend and was ready to begin his professional life. A desire to move to Vermont for the skiing and relaxed life style intersected with the “want ad” and fate brought Greg Maurer to the Little City and into the hearts and lives of three generations.

“A small town is a great place to raise a family,” remarked Dr. Maurer. “Friendships are deeper and neighbors look out for each other.” Settling in quickly, the Maurer’s, Greg, wife Alice, and children Joanne and David adopted the Vermont way of life and became a part of the town, community, schools and civic organizations for over thirty years.  He became a part of the fabric of life in the Little City, and people spoke not of going to the dentist, but to see Dr. Maurer. It was a shock when a letter came in the mail this week that the end of an era had arrived and that with over thirty-eight years of service to the community, Dr. Maurer was retiring and selling his practice.

Over the years he has been in practice there have been several major changes in dentistry. When asked to reflect on the one that has impacted his patients the most Dr. Maurer expressed, “A big change in dentistry over the years has been adhesive dentistry, the ability to bond tooth colored materials to a broken down tooth.  And rampant decay is not seen as often as in the '70's, largely due to fluoride and better home care.” While the technology has changed, the equation of personal service and first-hand knowledge of each of his patients has not. Dr. Maurer shared one experience that has stood the test of time in his mind with a grin when dealing with his younger patients. “I recall a young girl who we saw for a checkup one spring,” shared Greg Maurer. “She was all excited about the cute pet bunnies that had arrived at her house that Easter.  When we saw her again several months later, my opening line was, ‘Hey, are you still having fun playing with your rabbits?’   Her face got red, she started to cry and in a weak voice choked out the words, ‘Last night, my daddy put them in the freezer.’ I learned never to ask children about pets again!”

While the Maurer’s will continue to live in Panton, take more time for travelling, seeing their new grandson and improving Greg’s golf game, Dr. Maurer is excited for his patients that there will be no lapse in services or a need to look elsewhere. Dr. Cimler has purchased his practice and is moving to Vermont from the Brooklyn area with his wife and young child and has already started to see patients at the New Haven Road office. “He brings with him a wide range of procedures offered in the practice including root canal work, extractions, cosmetic procedures, implant supported restorations as well as basic fillings and dentures work,” concluded Dr. Maurer. And as far as advice for his successor and the next to occupy that special niche in Vermont’s Little City, “Simple,” replied Dr. Maurer. “Treat people well. People recognize competence and compassion, and above all, don’t forget to be a great father. I want to thank all the people who have sent me kind words of congratulations and support.  I must also express my sincere gratitude to my loyal staff members who have supported me for all these years.  It has been an honor to have practiced dentistry in Vergennes.”  The Valley Voice salutes Dr. Greg Maurer, and all those who are the cornerstones of life in small towns all over Vermont. Their compassion and professionalism make living in the Green Mountain State one that continues to draw the next generation here to call it home.

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