IVOR—Nearly 100 people assembled at the Ivor Medical Center Saturday to observe two historic events — the dedication of a new $750,000 dental office and the Ivor Clinic’s 30th anniversary.

The Ivor Medical Center, owned by Horizon Health Services Inc., opened in September 1979, more than 10 years after the town’s only doctor retired. HHS currently operates clinics in Waverly and Surry, as well.

The new clinic, a first for the town, stands behind the Ivor Medical Center. The 2,115-square-foot modular building will offer services to the community that have not been available before, said Community Outreach Director Jamia Taylor.

“We have been trying to include dental services for our patients for a long time and we feel very fortunate to be able to do so,” she added.

The new dental facility, the only one between Waverly and Windsor, was funded by the Obici Healthcare Foundation, the Virginia Community Healthcare Association, the Camp/Elms Foundation and Franklin-Southampton Charities.

It will be open to serve its first patients on Monday by Dr. Gwendolyn A. Holley and her staff, receptionist Nina Lappeeakken and hygienist Netor Meledex.

Equipped with all new furnishings, the new building has three examination rooms, an X-ray room and receptionist area, in addition to storage and office space. The hours of operation have not yet been determined.

Taylor said, “We are also very fortunate to have Dr. Holley with us. She comes very highly recommended.”

The doctor is a graduate of Howard University School of Dentistry and has been practicing in the Commonwealth of Virginia for over 25 years.

Born in Jamaica, West Indies, she and her husband, Edward, reside in Virginia Beach.