A Proud Legacy of Dentistry in Childers
At the heart of Childers, in the historic streetscape of Churchill Street, stands Gaydon’s Building, a remarkable piece of Queensland history and a place where generations of local families have received dental care.
The story began in 1894, when Thomas Gaydon established the Isis Pharmacy in Childers. A pharmacist by profession, Thomas Gaydon was also involved in dentistry and became an important figure in the local community. Following the devastating Childers fire of 1902, the original premises were destroyed, and the present masonry building was subsequently constructed. In 1911, the building was extended to two storeys, with the upper floor accommodating a dental surgery and offices.
Dentistry continued from the building through successive generations, creating an extraordinary tradition of dental care that has lasted for more than 130 years. The building is now recognised for its significant contribution to the history and development of pharmaceutical and dental services in regional Queensland.
Caring for Childers since 1894
1894
Thomas Gaydon establishes the Isis Pharmacy on Churchill Street and dentistry follows soon after.
1911
The building grows to two storeys, with a dental surgery on the upper floor.
30+ years
Dr Brett Phillips serves Childers from Gaydon's Building as the much loved Decay Slayer.
2026
A new chapter begins as Childers Family Dental, keeping the legacy alive.
Brett Phillips Dental Surgery
For many years, Dr Brett Phillips has been an important part of this continuing story. Having served the Childers and surrounding communities for more than three decades, Dr Phillips has built strong relationships with generations of local families.
His dental practice within Gaydon’s Building became well known as Brett Phillips Dental Surgery, continuing the tradition of providing accessible, personalised dental care from this historic location. Dr Phillips’ long-standing commitment to the community has made him a trusted and familiar face to many local patients.
The Decay Slayer
Dr Phillips also became widely recognised through The Decay Slayer, an initiative reflecting his passion for improving access to dental care within the local community. The initiative focused on helping people who may otherwise struggle to access necessary dental treatment, particularly those experiencing financial hardship.
The Decay Slayer became more than simply a dental service. It represented a commitment to helping people, improving oral health and giving back to the community.
A New Chapter. "Childers Family Dental"
Today, this remarkable history enters a new chapter with the establishment of Childers Family Dental.
Dr Stanley Kumar is now the proud owner and custodian of Gaydon’s Building, with a deep respect for its heritage and the generations of dentists who have cared for the Childers community from within its walls.
Importantly, Dr Brett Phillips continues to serve as Principal Dentist, remaining actively involved in the practice and continuing to care for the local community he has served for so many years.
Under Childers Family Dental, the aim is to preserve what makes this place special while bringing together heritage, experience and modern dentistry. The historic building remains a place where patients can feel connected to the generations who came before them, while receiving contemporary, compassionate dental care.
From Thomas Gaydon in 1894, through Brett Phillips Dental Surgery and The Decay Slayer, to Childers Family Dental today, the name and faces may evolve, but the purpose remains the same:
To care for the people of Childers and surrounding communities, today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
Gaydon’s Building is more than a heritage building. It is a living part of Childers’ history, where more than a century of dental care continues to shape its future.