Dentists can attest that neglect of minute cavities can erode dental conditions and lead to tooth loss.
Conservationists similarly could argue ignoring intrusions into natural habitats can lead to congestion and eradicate natural habitats.
Independence Township’s Fred Roeser is instrumental in both areas of care.
While cleaning area patients? teeth for over 30 years from offices in Pontiac, Waterford and most recently Clarkston, Dr. Roeser now finds himself having served as some families? dentist through three generations.
‘I recently got a thank you note from a 12-year-old and mother who has been a patient since she was three or four,? said Roeser. ‘It’s satisfying. It makes you feel good, like you must have done something right. (The customers) are all friends now.?
For Roeser, dentistry is a family affair considering his father was a dentist in Pontiac. He is also partners in the field with his brother Douglas, also of Clarkston, for 35 years.
As a dentist, Roeser enjoys interacting with patients.
‘I look forward to seeing the people. Dentistry is nice because you’ll see people twice a year for 40 years and you get to be pretty good friends. You watch them grow up, get married and raise their kids. It’s very fulfilling,? said Roeser.
Dentistry has experienced constant change in materials and practices that require a steady hand, sharp eye and continuous education, said Roeser.
‘Years ago, 90 percent of the kids who walked in had 10 cavities. Now, many of the kids have none or one,? said Roeser.
In addition to helping people preserve teeth, Roeser employs his acumen in geology and the outdoors to conserve the land since moving to the area in 1967.
He served on the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy Board of Directors for approximately 15 years, including a run as vice president.
‘I served on one of the first (NOHLC) boards. At the beginning, we protected only one or two properties. Now its grown to something like over 48 properties and 1,000 acres,? said Roeser.
Using his degree earned in geology at the University of Michigan in 1960 followed by a Doctor of Dentistry Surgery in 1964, Roeser said he did a lot of land inspections, mapping and aerial photo interpretation.
‘I’m a strong conservationist. I believe in caring for the environment,? said Roeser. ‘I think there’s enough people on the other side of developing land, so someone has to do the conservation and keep a balance. Looking at the woods and wetlands is more energizing than looking at stores and parking lots.?
In addition to working with NOHLC, Roeser was influential in starting the local North Oakland Ducks Unlimited chapter. He also spent much of his time keeping an eye on the lake near his house, monitoring water levels and doing testing. Roeser said he currently works on the Independence Township Parks and Recreation Advisory Board which strives to get the pulse of the community and make recommendations to the township board.
In his spare time, Roeser is an avid outdoorsmen who likes to fly fish and play racquetball.
Roeser also participated in various functions ranging from scouting to a member and president of the PTO at Clarkston Elementary as his children grew.
Roeser and his wife Gail married in 1962 and raised three sons who graduated from Clarkston High and now reside in the Metro Detroit area. Son Fred and his wife Ann have two kids; Sarah, 12, and Davis, 10. Mike has three kids; Michael, 10, Emily 7, and Mollee, 5. The Roesers? third son Todd lives in Royal Oak.