And it’s welcome news that has gained big smiles from the community who have been without a local dentist for many years. 

Originally from Cleveland in Brisbane, Dr Cividin has already had a taste of the New England’s brisk winter mornings.

“I turned on the tap this morning and only a trickle came out … it was frozen,” he said.

“But I like the cold … I love that you get four seasons here, that’s the best part.

“And being a European this is the best weather for us.”

Dr Cividin has Austrian, Hungarian and Italian roots.

For the past 22 years he had been living and working in Lightening Ridge in north-western NSW.

“I did all the bush dentistry out there,” he said. 

“There were a lot of complicated [cases],” he said.

It was an experience that has given him a wide variety of skills, Dr Cividin said.

“I did everything,” he said.

And the new surgery was already in full swing with Kiralee McIlwain in the chair on Tuesday morning.

Her mum Trisha McIlwain said she was thrilled with the convenience of having an experienced dentist in town.

“I don’t have to go to Armidale ... I just rung up and got in straight away,” she said.

“It’s fantastic, really … it’s been a very long time since we’ve had a dentist in town.

“It’s great to have someone literally around the corner.”

Dr Cividin said he can offer most services including dentures.

He is also looking forward to employing a qualified dental nurse in the coming weeks.

“She’s a local girl and we will try her out on a Wednesday,” he told The Express.

“I think we’ll soon have a full book by the sound of things.”

As for his hobbies, Dr Cividin loves fishing and said he wanted to start breeding racehorses.

“I bred a couple of cup winners … including the Townsville Cup twice and Cairns Cup,” he said.

Initial opening hours at the surgery, located at 99a Bradley Street, will be Monday to Wednesday 9am til 5pm.

To book call (02) 6779 1399.