St. George dentist retires 54 years after returning to Southern Utah

Written by Stephanie DeGraw
April 27, 2024

ST. GEORGE — Being of service to his patients and community is the driving force behind a dentist who is retiring after 54 years of service.

Judy Harward served as the receptionist for dentist Thomas V. Robinson, who is retiring (L to R), St. George, Utah, April 18, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

Thomas V. Robinson told St. George News he grew up dirt poor in Enterprise. He said life was hard on the farm and his family had little money.

“We had to earn our own clothes, so we hunted pop bottles, scrap iron and everything else,” Robinson said. “I was second to the oldest out of eight, so I had to support myself totally all the way through school. Had nobody to finance me.”

Robinson said he decided to go to dental school as a young man. He was not into the money aspect of the profession but about caring for others.

“I cared about the service end of it. And so I chose dentistry to be of service to people. I’ve carried that throughout my life and through my practice,” Robinson said. “And loving the people and giving them service.”

When Robinson moved to St. George, only seven dentists were in town. He is amazed at how many dentists there are now. Being a fixture in the community has allowed him to know many people from the inside out and the bottom up.

“I can see people that struggle. I see people that are wealthy. I see all kinds of people in here and my whole forte of what I do is important; it’s to raise the bar for everybody I am with,” Robinson said. “I don’t care what kind of factors they have in life. I try to understand them and raise them. Life is a care package; that’s all it is. If you care enough for things, you preserve them and you love them.”

Thomas V. Robinson decorated his office to help make his patients feel comfortable at the dentist office, St. George, Utah, April 18, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

At the beginning of his journey, Robinson faced challenges. When he went to school in Cedar City, he was told he couldn’t be a dentist because he didn’t place high enough on the ACT test. But he decided not to listen and moved forward with his goal.

“I say my ability to memorize, my ability to produce and my work ethic says I’ll be working while the other guy’s sleeping,” Robinson said. “You can’t stop me.”

Later, he attended the University of Utah for a few semesters, then went to St. Louis University and graduated. Then, with his wife, he lived in Chicago and Great Lakes, Illinois. 

Robinson joined the Navy and became a lieutenant commander. He moved to Key West, Florida, where he practiced dentistry in the military for two years. Robinson and his family eventually moved to San Diego, California, where he was in a submarine support facility for almost two years. Although he passed the California boards, he decided not to practice in California.

He moved his family to St. George after one of his uncles advised him to “put your butt and your heart in the same place. In other words, go home if you need to.”

Robinson said he loves Southern Utah and the community. He is grateful he decided to return to the area.

Thomas V. Robinson is retiring after 54 years from his dental practice, St. George, Utah, April 18, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

“I came here to do my practice. I love my people. I’ve loved the community,” Robinson said. “I’ve tried to support the best I can. I do not regret any of my time. My time has been a gift from God. He has given me the opportunity and the privilege to be able to perform and to be what I wanted to be.”

Robinson’s staff, family and friends recently gave him a retirement party and he said he truly enjoyed it.

“Every one of my patients is a dear friend and family. I just recently had a retirement party at the Pizza Factory,” Robinson said. “I invited those who stuck with me all these years and it was the greatest party we’ve ever had.”

Robinson takes pride in using rubber dams in his dental practice. He strives for painless anesthetics, especially when giving shots. He added that some dentists get into too big of a rush and shots can be painful.

Another unique aspect of his practice is how much care has been given to the décor. In each room, one feels transported to another place and time. There are mountain scenes and fun, quirky fishing decorations. A large family photo is also displayed.

“I have decorated the office to make it kind of a nice place for people to be comfortable,” Robinson said. 

His favorite patients are the children. Robinson has strived to make the young patients comfortable so they feel at peace in his office.

“When they come here, they know that they’re not going to be hurt and that I care for them a lot,” Robinson said.

With his retirement imminent, he said he is looking forward to working in his gardens at home and serving in the community.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephanie DeGraw is an award-winning journalist. For 25 years, she engaged in journalism, broadcasting and public relations. DeGraw worked for the Salt Lake Tribune, Associated Press and The City Journals. She was a reporter for a CBS television station in Twin Falls, Idaho. She graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Broadcasting.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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