An era has passed at McKenzie Dental, and another begins.

After 40 years of father-to-son practice (first Wally McKenzie in 1974), Brad
McKenzie has stepped aside due to a rare neuromuscular disease called
cramp-fasciculation syndrome.

“While I still have great hand skills, my muscles quickly tire and become
painful,” McKenzie,40, wrote in a letter to his patients. “With medical
treatment and rest, I hope to stabilize. Then I will find a career path such as
teaching dentistry, which minimizes the use of my hands.”

The practice now passes to Robert Kelly who has acquired McKenzie Dental
and will continue operating under the same name.

“It took time to find the right person,” McKenzie told The Mountain Times. “I
couldn’t be more pleased to pass the practice to Dr. Kelly. It’s not normal for
it to go this well.”

“It’s a mix of feelings,” Kelly said. “I grew up in a small town and I like the
country feeling (of Welches). And everyone has been really friendly. Still, it’s
been sad wishing Brad well and seeing him leave.”

Kelly was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, went on to Whitman
College in Walla Walla, followed by dental school at Boston University –
graduating in 2005. He returned and opened a private practice in Maui that
thrived for seven years before spending a year of private practice in Australia.
“I enjoy all general restorative, periodontal, and cosmetic procedures,” Kelly
wrote in a letter of introduction to McKenzie patients. “I especially enjoy being
a family dentist ... I have been licensed in Oregon since 2008 and am a
member of the American Dental Association.”

Nov. 18 was Kelly’s first day, and it wasn’t a drill. It included dental hygiene,
fillings, a crown and a couple emergency visits.

“I expected it to be busy, hectic,” he said. “I saw about a dozen patients
today. And a lot of it was just about meeting people.”

Kelly brings to the Mountain community his wife, Aimee and two young boys,
3 and 1.

McKenzie concluded his farewell in his letter, saying “I have loved serving the
Mountain community that I was raised in. Thank you for the trust and
confidence you have placed in me and my staff. I look forward to seeing you
around the community.”

Fortunately, for local residents, McKenzie Dental remains.