Wainman retires from dental practice
Before he gets too long in the tooth, Perry Wainman is stepping away from dentistry.
The Greencastle dentist worked his final day Tuesday, Dec. 19 at the Washington Street practice that formerly bore his name.
Dr. Elizabeth Kirsch bought the practice in 2016 and Wainman has since eased back on his workload.
The veteran dentist simply decided it was time.
“It’s been almost a year and a half since she bought the practice,” Wainman said. “I told her I’d hang on a year.”
After 45-1/2 years as a dentist, Wainman said he still enjoys doing his job, but admitted that a May 2013 fire at the practice took a little something out of him.
The fire, which brought 18 emergency agencies to downtown Greencastle, was contained but devastated multiple businesses in the block, including Wainman’s practice.
They were able to make do, operating out of part of optometrist Russell Elliott’s building for more than a year.
“That fire changed me a little bit,” Wainman said. “I couldn’t do the run I had for the last 40 years.”
Still, Wainman and his staff persevered, keeping the practice alive before returning home to 125 E. Washington St. in July 2014 to an even better facility.
Still, when Wainman found Kirsch, he knew he’d found the right replacement.
“Liz has come in here and they’ve fit quite well into the community,” he said.
It’s certainly been a good fit for Wainman over the years, who was actually introduced to Greencastle by fellow dentist Dale Oliver.
A native of Edwardsport in Knox County, Wainman wished to stay in Indiana in a small college town. Oliver (who continues to practice locally) showed him around town and Wainman was hooked.
“I just fell in love with it,” Wainman said.
All these years later, that love hasn’t changed. Wainman is unsure exactly what retirement holds, but he and wife Rose aren’t planning to move their home base.
“It’s been a joy,” Wainman said. “I wouldn’t leave. This is still home.”