Though it may be belated, Ironton dentist Dr. John D. Davis will soon be getting a pretty impressive Father's Day present.

Davis' son, fellow dentist Dr. Todd Davis, has recently returned from military service and decided to begin his civilian life by going into practice with his father.

After graduating from Ironton High School, Todd Davis studied at Ohio University and Ohio State University before joining the Air Force to continue performing dentistry.

His time in the military took him all over the country, but after five years of service, Todd Davis said he wanted to come home to Ironton.

"I've always loved the area," Todd Davis said. "My wife and I are both from Ironton. We've seen a lot of different areas, I've lived in San Antonio, Texas; North Dakota and Montana with the Air Force, and you really learn to appreciate home when you're away."

Though some might be intimidated by working their Dad, David said that both he and his father are open to constructive criticism.

"As far as the patients go, it's going to increase the quality of care, because there's someone else to bounce ideas off of, someone else who's got the training to be able to give you a knowledgeable response," the younger Davis said.

It wouldn't be too much of a stretch to describe John Davis as "tickled."

Not only did his son choose his father's career path, but they will now be sharing a building.

"Obviously, it's a real privilege to have your son in your same profession, and to be able to practice with him," John Davis said.

Besides being able to spend more time with his son, Davis is getting a partner in the business in which he can believe, which will also help to lessen his workload.

"He's technically really good, but he's also got a really caring personality," the elder Davis said about his son. "He's just a good, Christian kid who cares about people."

Though Todd Davis has three children of his own (the oldest is four-and-a-half,) he's not sure which might take up the family drill.

"They all three can if they want to," Todd Davis said with a laugh.

A third generation of Davis dentists is still a ways off however, and as John Davis renovates his building, his main concern is sharing one of his most valuable possessions with his son.

"I couldn't be happier about having him in here," said the proud father. "It really is a dream come true."