Connie Mae Whittaker, The Cayman Islands first Dental Hygienist retired from public service recently.

Reportedly excelling in her duties Ms Whittaker worked in a variety of difficult situations, from traveling to Cayman Brac to perform her duties, to working at the prison before there was a clinic, then she would travel up to Northside Primary School with a school dental nurse, using a portable mobile unit delivering dental care to prisoners and students alike.

Working with students at the old Lighthouse School to the Pines Retirement Home, Ms Whittaker would has helped to deliver dental health education to Triple C as well as other Government schools.

According those close to Ms Whittaker she played a vital part in setting up the Prevention Programme, along with School Dental Nurses at the time and her contribution to the Agriculture Health Fair Shows along with other dental staff created change in the general perception of dental care.

Her knowledge in her chosen field was aid to be admired, as she had worked in a variety of areas in the hospital, before settling in Dentistry as a trained assistant, then a Hygienist.

Ms Whittaker loved her work, and her enthusiasm shone through when she saw a patient who followed through on her instructions and got excellent results.

Ms Connie as she is affectionately known, would amuse you with stories of the old days with Dr. Machado, Dr. Mabely, amazing treatments undertaken in the old clinic before the present system came into being, and her time spent in England.

"We will miss her presence as she would often remind one, "The Lord doesn't give more than we can bear," said one of her colleagues.