I had the same dentist for over 20 years and he ran his practice exactly how you do.
In fact, I first went to him because I had a toothache and a coworker recommended him.
My dentist got cancer and worked as long as he could. At my last appointment with him (and the last time I ever saw him), he looked me in the eye and said, “I am trying to find a dentist who will take this practice over … I can’t find anyone.” And I could see how hurtful that was to him.
A month later, all of his patients got a letter, recommending another local dentist and announcing that he was retiring.
He passed about a month later.
Keep doing what you’re doing. Believe me when I say this: your patients appreciate it.