Born in upstate New York, Dr. Dave grew up in the Rhode Island/Massachusetts area. After high school, he headed off to Southern California and graduated from the dental school of Loma Linda University. During the next two years, he fulfilled his commitment to the Navy on an island named Adak, which is off the coast of Alaska in the Aleutians.

When he finished his commitment on Adak, Dr. Dave headed to South Lancaster, Mass., where he established a successful practice. Then after five years in South Lancaster, a very unique opportunity presented itself.

Dr. Dave sold his practice, picked up his family and headed off to Dhaka, Bangladesh. While in Bangladesh, Dr. Dave not only practiced dentistry; he also set up a program to train dentists and dental nurses in Bangladesh.

Over the years, as Dhaka grew and became more congested, Dr. Dave felt the yearning to return to the small town atmosphere in which he grew up. Cassopolis proved to be the perfect location for him since three of his four children, three grandsons and his mother are all within 15 minutes of him. His second son is a practicing dentist in Seattle, and they speak on a regular basis.

Dr. Dave has said that the relaxed atmosphere of southwestern Michigan has given him time to catch up from the long separation he has endured with his family. It has also given him time to pursue one of his more relaxing hobbies, bird watching.