Promise Community Health Center is excited to announce that we have hired Dr. Kris Kelly as our Dental Director and Dentist!
Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Dr. Kelly’s journey in dentistry has been marked by his dedication to improving the oral health of underserved populations. As he prepares to embark on his next chapter at Promise Community Health Center, he reflects on a career spanning decades filled with diverse experiences and many moments of community impact.
Dr. Kelly’s academic journey began at the University of Iowa, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1975; he then graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 1979. Throughout his college career, he was dedicated to his studies and involved in various extracurricular activities, including student government, fraternity life, Air Force ROTC, and even the Iowa gymnastics team. Through these activities, he learned invaluable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and discipline—qualities that would later shape his professional career.
Dr. Kelly stepped into private practice after dental school, serving communities in the Marshalltown and Mason City areas from 1979 to 2009. During this time, he honed his dentistry skills and found that his passion for service extended beyond his practice, leading him to explore opportunities in community health settings.
In 2009, he joined the dental team at Waterloo Community Health, where he provided essential dental care to underserved populations. His journey then took him to the Indian Health Service, where he served on the Navajo reservation in Crownpoint, New Mexico, from 2010 to 2017, and later on the Pine Ridge, South Dakota reservation until 2020.
He returned to Crownpoint, NM, in 2021 before retiring in October 2023. Dr. Kelly learned about Promise Community Health Center through a contract company during this time. While he was meant to finish his contract position in July, he decided to join us full-time because of his positive experience at Promise and our mission of providing essential healthcare services to all persons.
Due to his vast experience in diverse settings throughout his career, Dr. Kelly is already making a meaningful impact at Promise. What excites him the most about joining Promise is the opportunity to provide much-needed dental care and collaborate with a dedicated team of professionals who share his passion for service.
We are excited for Dr. Kelly to continue using his extensive experience in all areas of dental care at Promise. Whether it’s preventive services, restorative treatments, or patient education, he is prepared to ensure that every patient receives the highest quality of care!