Dr. Kilkelly was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After finishing her undergraduate studies, she decided to head south to warmer weather in Texas and hasn’t left since. As a dentist, she enjoys having the opportunity to cultivate lifelong relationships with her patients in a nurturing environment. For her, the best thing about her job is helping people feel confident in their smiles and ensuring they have optimal health. Before you get to meet her here at Derby Dental, you can start getting to know her below.
Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?
After graduating with a degree in religious studies and spending time living in India, Dr. Kilkelly became a bicycle mechanic. She loved the job but knew she wanted to do something different with her life, so she thought about what she enjoyed about being a bike mechanic. She liked working with customers, solving problems, and fixing things.
Additionally, many of the children living in the town where she stayed in India had severe dental needs. She wanted to be able to help alleviate the pain and suffering she saw, so she started shadowing a few local dentists. Eventually, she realized that dentistry was the perfect intersection of her interests and talents.
Where Did You Study Dentistry?
Dr. Kilkelly received her bachelor’s degree from Grinnell College and earned her doctorate in dental surgery at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. After receiving her dental degree, she spent an additional year in advanced training at the Hennepin County Medical Center. From 2013-2019, she worked at a local dental clinic providing care for medically compromised patients.
Today, Dr. Kilkelly actively continues to further her education and has taken hundreds of hours of advanced training to ensure she can provide her patients with the best possible care. She is a member of many local study clubs, including the Texas Dental Association (TDA), American Dental Association (ADA), Capital Area Dental Society (CADS), and the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH).
Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?
When she isn’t taking care of patients, Dr. Kilkelly likes to stay active, whether this involves mountain biking, road riding, paddleboarding, canoeing, or kayaking. Her more relaxed hobbies include cooking, reading, and sewing. She also dedicates a lot of time to mission work, providing dental care to underprivileged populations locally, nationally, and internationally. If you would like additional information on Dr. Kilkelly and Derby Dental, please visit About our office.