When a colleague recommended Westgate Dental Clinic to me on 2008, when I had a problem wisdom tooth, I was delighted to discover that both Nicolette at Reception then Michael in the surgery, were South African, like my mother. I spent some childhood years in the country; my brother was born there & I have family living there now.

Michael was always solemn, calm & professional. I have good teeth but had poor gums, so he advised me the best way to brush. He said to do so for 2 minutes. I must've looked blank, perhaps wondering how I'd time it, so he said to brush each surface 4 times, which I've done ever since.

I'm also usually in good health, & don't need to see the doctor, but Michael always reassured me with his routine checking of tongue & neck glands every 6 months.

I was saddened by his email in September, saying his prognosis wasn't good, & shocked by Nicolette's on Tuesday, saying he'd died. I will miss him.