GOFFSTOWN — A local dentist said he is happy to be back at work six weeks after state officials took emergency action to revoke his license.

The state Board of Dental Examiners revoked the license of Dr. Gregory A. Tracy on Aug. 23 amid allegations that he filled multiple prescriptions for painkillers that were written by different doctors and filled at several different pharmacies.

In an interview at his office Thursday, Tracy said he has completed inpatient treatment for dependence on prescription medication, and reached an agreement with the Attorney General’s Office and the board on Monday that resulted in the reinstatement of his license.

“I’m thankful I’m back,” he said. “I’m back practicing, where I should be and where I wanted to be.”

Tracy, while declining to comment on specific details about his case, acknowledged that he grew dependent on prescription painkillers about two years ago after developing chronic back pain following gastric bypass surgery in 2008.

“When I lost the weight, it changed how I carried myself,” Tracy said. “I think the back had just worn out.”

Tracy said the painkillers seemed necessary at the time for the pain, but he gradually became dependent on them.

“I tried everything,” he said. “I tried the gamut of different treatment options,” he said, including seeking several different medical opinions.

After a series of motor vehicle mishaps, ending with an accident on Tibbetts Hill Road in March after which officers drove him home, Tracy sought help.

“In the spring, I knew I needed to do something to control the intake of the medications,” he said, and spent 12 days in an inpatient rehab program.

Tracy acknowledged that he has made some mistakes and is doing his best to make amends and move forward.

As a well-known dentist in the area, Tracy said the expectations are somewhat elevated for someone in his profession and position in the community.

“But I’m not better or worse than anyone else,” he said. “People in all walks of life have problems with alcohol or drugs or whatever their drug of choice is. … I made some mistakes, and I’ve paid for them.”

Tracy said he is grateful for the support he has received from current and former patients, community members and his family.

“It’s been rough on them,” he said. “They stuck by me, and I didn’t make it easy for them.”

Tracy has received many cards and letters from patients, and office manager Anne McGuinness said patients have indicated that they want to continue under Tracy’s care.

“We were all supportive of Dr. Tracy,” McGuinness said, “and I think knowing that we were all still here was reassuring to patients.”

McGuinness said the office staff remains loyal to Tracy, and she had no doubt he would return to practice.

“We knew him before all of this happened,” she said. “He made a mistake, everyone makes mistakes, we couldn’t just say we’re out of here.”

“The staff has been great throughout the whole deal,” Tracy said.

Tracy said he has finally had successful treatment for his back pain in the form of chiropractic care provided by Peter Bailey, whose office is next to Tracy’s on Tatro Drive.

“It’s been a godsend,” he said. “I feel better than I have in a long time.”

Tracy will now begin the work of strengthening his practice and stressed that it is a safe place for patients.

“There is a monitoring system they have in place for me,” he said, which includes continued counseling, regular drug testing and monthly reports to the Board of Dental Examiners.

kremillard@newstote.com