Dentist C.R. “Chuck” Harris Jr. opened his new office at White Marsh on July 2. Harris now leases space in the building that also houses AES, an engineering firm, on Canon Way in the Gloucester Business Park, White Marsh.

Harris previously had operated for many years in leased space on Route 17, Hayes, adjacent to Baxter Insurance Agency. In all, he has practiced dentistry for more than 40 years.

Harris said he offers cosmetic and family dentistry services that include routine exams, fillings, X-rays, root canals and extractions. He said he refers certain procedures to other dental specialists.

After working as an associate at a dental office in Blackstone in central Virginia for one year, Harris opened his own office in Gloucester in 1968 and has served the community since.

He has seen many changes through the years, including more emphasis on preventive dental care and a more recent move to digital x-rays, which require much less radiation exposure and allow instantaneous showing of the images on a computer monitor for more exact interpretation.

Besides being busy at his practice, Harris and his staff have been major coordinators for three free dental care clinics which have been held in Gloucester in recent years. Harris employs an office staff of six, both chair-side assistants and front office workers.

Originally from St. Louis, Harris earned a bachelor’s degree at Virginia Tech and is a graduate of the dental school at MCV.

Harris and his wife, Phyllis, have four sons. Mrs. Harris works part-time in his office as an administrative assistant. They reside at Bena.