Dr. Etsuro Watanabe was recently recognized as the oldest male dentist by Guinness World Records.
Dr. Watanabe is 99 years and 133 days old, according to a May 15 Guinness article. He was born Oct. 31, 1924, in Japan. He became a dental practice apprentice at the age of 15, and began working as a dental technician years later after returning home from military service.
Dr. Watanabe started attending dental school in 1947 and opened a practice in his hometown of Oshino in 1953, which was the only dental practice in the village.
Dr. Watanabe reduced his working hours to only mornings after he turned 92, but he told Guinness World Records that his patients are what keep him going.
"When I see my patients happy, it makes me feel that what I am doing is worth it. I'd like to contribute to the community for as long as I have the energy to allow it," he said.