Education
- Georgetown College, Georgetown, KY (1946-1947)
- East Tennessee State University BS Degree (1947-1950)
- University of Tennessee DDS Degree (1950-1953)
- US Air Force Captain (1954-1956)
- UMKC Orthodontic Residency MSD Degree (1956-1957)
How It All Began
As we drove through the Shenandoah Valley, we stopped in each town to visit the Orthodontists and everyone’s comments were “Keep going north. We are starving here.” We finally planted our roots in Alexandria, VA.
The Alexandria Medical Building was new in 1958 and I rented an 800 square foot office where I practiced for 13 years. My first patient asked me “How long have you been in practice?” to which I responded, “Two weeks and I love it here!” It was a tough first year building a practice from scratch and making eight cents per hour.
My next big move was to relocate the practice to the Andrus building which was south of Old Town on Route 1. In June of 1986 my son, Herb, joined me in practice and we worked together for two years prior to my retirement. I loved my profession and the community that I served for over 30 years.
Fun Facts
Favorite Quote:
“It takes a lifetime of living to learn how to live – and by the time you get it figured out – it’s time to go.”
What Makes You Smile?
One of my favorite quotes from a past patient brings a smile to my face. A young precocious little boy observed my diplomas hanging on the wall of my private office and responded: “Dr. Hughes, I know how you got all those diplomas by sending in cereal box tops!”
What gives you energy?
Successful completion of a project.