Dr. Mihir Bava purchased Gentle Smiles of Raleigh from Dr. Thomas Cooke, who provided high-quality dental care to the community of Raleigh, North Carolina, for many years. He announced his retirement earlier this year, but has ensured that you receive the care you need in the hands of our new dentist.
To all my patients,
After almost 35 years of practicing dentistry, I am announcing my retirement as of January 5, 2023. It is with very mixed emotions that this decision is being made. It may be earlier than many of you anticipated, but a number of personal factors came together over the past year to make this the right time. There is no doubt that I will miss doing what I have enjoyed doing for so many years, however, I know it is time for me to step back.
It has been my absolute privilege to be a part of your lives for over 30 years practicing dentistry in this office. You have all impacted my life in more ways than you will ever know. I will always be humbled and appreciate that you have allowed me to be a part of your life’s journey. It has been an absolute pleasure engaging with so many young families and seeing them return as adults. You have all been part of my life in a huge way, and I will treasure all the times we have spent together. It has been a unique opportunity and a gift.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Mihir Bava to our practice! As I move towards retirement, I could not be more confident in transitioning our patients to his excellent care. From the first time I met Dr. Bava, I was confident that I found the right dentist to continue giving the highest level of dental care to all of you. I was so impressed with his extensive training, professionalism, family values, diverse skill set and caring heart.
While Dr. Bava will assume the practice at the beginning of 2023, I will be providing guidance and consulting on all practice matters. You will find Dr. Bava is committed to providing high level of dentistry; he completed a residency program and has more than seven years of practice in clinical dentistry in private practice. You can count on him to continue the same comfortable and personalized care that you have come to expect from our office.
Following the completion of his dental education at Tufts Dental School in Boston, Dr. Bava continued to practice dentistry in New Jersey, where he grew up. Eventually getting tired of long cold winters and snow, Dr. Bava moved to North Carolina three years ago with his wife, Dipal, who is a pharmacist, and his two lovely young daughters: Ruhi and Pahel.
Outside the office, Dr. Bava loves to spend time with his two kids: going to the park, having game and movie nights and making arts and crafts projects at home.
As I retire, I reflect on the wonderful patients I have had the privilege and pleasure to serve over the past 30 years.
I am forever grateful for your trust and friendship and will treasure those memories and stories you have shared.
Thank you for your loyalty, and please join me in welcoming Dr. Bava.
Sincerely,
Thomas E. Cooke, DDS