A dentistry dynasty

Jul. 21—Decades of dentistry — and a strong cohesive family unit that not only works together but shares ideas, memories and a lot of support when it comes to caring for patients.

That's the Kalil family mantra, giving the best care to those needing dental work while also pursuing a profession that dates back decades.

A dentist named Joseph Kalil opened a practice in Methuen, Massachusetts, in 1962, starting a family legacy that continues to this day through a son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren.

For Ken Kalil, celebrating his father and the long, strong links to dentistry that now include his wife, Donna, daughter Michelle and son Andrew, it's been a privilege carrying on what his father began.

That includes continuing the relationship with patients who have seen multiple generations of the Kalil family in action.

Ken, a Methuen native, says that he knew in the eighth grade that he was interested in following in his father's dental footsteps.

That led to rigorous studies at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston and eventually being able to share practice space with his father.

For Donna Kalil, her interest in medicine and particularly dentistry also formed at a young age.

Although she didn't have the strong ties and traditions of dentistry in her family, the Nashua native still found intrigue in the practice where she could combine both medicine and business while also forming bonds with patients.

She met Ken during her first year of dental school, also at Tufts University. They got engaged a few months later and were married between their second and third year of school.

After graduating, Donna joined Ken and his father's practice. After four years, she decided to open her own practice more than 30 years ago.

In 2004, Ken and Donna opened a satellite practice in Windham to partner with the existing Methuen location. Windham was where the couple decided to live and start a family and where they still live today.

"We started Windham Dental Care in 2005 so we could have a more intimate practice," Donna says. "We could see a need for a new dental practice."

After their daughter graduated in 2019 and joined the family business, the two practices were rebranded as Kalil Dental Group. Their son graduated from Tufts two years later and followed suit. Ken and Donna also have a nephew now pursuing a dental career.

"We are fortunate that (our children) both have the passion for dentistry that we have," Donna says. "The days Michelle and Andrew are at the office are the most rewarding for me. I was able to be a clinical instructor at Tufts for both of them, and there, I was able to see them flourish and become great clinicians."

Ken says that when it was time for his two children to consider their life careers, he encouraged them to make their own choices but also supported dental decisions and a path that could lead to successful work in the family practices.

"My parents and grandfather played a role in my decision to pursue dentistry," Michelle says. "Growing up, I saw how passionate they were about the profession; they love caring for people in their community."

The more time she spent around the family offices, the more she realized this was her career path of choice.

"I love that dentistry is a combination of health care and art," she says. "As a dentist, I can help others improve their oral health and simultaneously create a beautiful smile."

Working amid a tight family unit is also a perk of the job.

"Working with my parents and brother allows me to comfortably ask their advice, collaborate on cases and learn from them every day," Michelle says. "They have also created a family-oriented working environment with the staff. We have staff members that have been with the offices for many years. Some even worked with my grandfather."

The greatest rewards are all about teaching patients, along with the joy and fulfillment of the job.

"Dentistry allows us to provide a service to others but also educate and help patients understand the importance of oral health," Michelle says.

Michelle's brother agrees that his parents and grandfather made a big impression on him when it came time to forge his career path.

"I saw how much they enjoyed their work and the passion they had for helping others," Andrew says. "It makes me feel really proud to work alongside my family, and I love hearing stories from those who became patients of the office when my grandfather first opened the practice, who are now seen by me and my sister, their third generation of Kalil dentists."

Andrew says that he appreciates the advice his parents and grandfather have offered, adding that it's often more of their actions than their words that make the biggest impression.

"And hearing from patients about the relationships they've built with my family resonated with me about what being a dentist means," he says. "My family has emphasized that even though I may be working on a single tooth, that one tooth is attached to a whole person, and you have to look at the whole person to provide the best care possible."

The family that stays together and supports dental patients together says that there are more positive interactions going on — and less challenges.

That, Donna says, is due to a strong work ethic and a common thread to put patients first.

And having the opportunity to be part of this long-standing legacy is something for which Ken will always be grateful.

"The transition from dental school to private practice, having somebody to mentor you along the way and especially a family member, is priceless," he says. "It was a great learning experience for me."

For Ken, he couldn't be any happier with the choices he has made and the drive to continue the family name.

"I couldn't be happier with what I do, and I met my wife who does the same," he says. "Since 1986, and to reflect that on our children and have them feel the same way is the most rewarding."