David W. Kelliny

Dr. David Kelliny and his team at Kelliny Endodontics specialize in root canal treatment and dental implants. Dr. Kelliny earned his bachelor’s degree in dental surgery from Cairo University in 1992; he graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Southern California in 1998 and earned a certificate in endodontics, also from USC, in 2001. He started Kelliny Endodontics in 2001 and has worked as a dentist for 30 years.

Dr. Kelliny has been a part-time clinical assistant professor at the USC postgraduate endodontic program since 2002. He teaches residents about various aspects of endodontics with a specific emphasis on surgical endodontics, 3D endodontics and dental implants. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the Western Los Angeles Dental Society, the American Association of Endodontists, the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology and the International Congress of Implantologists. Dr. Kelliny is the inventor and patent holder of the Endodontic Access guide, which is used for treating extremely difficult endodontic cases.

What led to your choice of this career field?

Funny but true story: Growing up, I always wanted to be an engineer in avionics. When I was 15 years old, I broke my front tooth in an accident, and I had to get a root canal and a crown. I always liked working with my hands, and I did better in sciences and biology studies than in math and calculus. So I thought maybe I could do dentistry and be good at it.

How do you prioritize team culture?

In dentistry as in any field, prioritizing team culture is essential for a thriving and successful practice. I try to foster clear, open and transparent communication among team members. I encourage regular team meetings where everyone can share ideas, concerns and feedback. I also try to share my vision and define the core values and vision of our practice to ensure that every team member understands and aligns with these values, as they serve as the foundation for our team culture. I also stress collaboration and teamwork among staff members and emphasize the importance of supporting one another, sharing responsibilities and working together toward common goals.

How do you build patient connections?

Patient care is a priority in our practice. We take the time to build rapport with each patient by providing personalized care and demonstrating genuine interest in their well-being. We listen actively to their concerns, answer their questions, and address their needs with empathy and compassion. I ensure that our team communicates clearly and effectively with patients, both in person and through other channels such as phone calls, emails and social media. We engage with patients beyond their appointments by sending personalized follow-up messages or educational materials. We utilize social media platforms to share valuable information, interact with patients, and showcase our practice’s personality and values. By prioritizing patient-centered care, effective communication, community involvement and professional networking, you can build strong connections within the dental industry that contribute to the success and growth of your practice.

Tell us about a recent medical development.

The GentleWave procedure is a new technology in endodontics, and it is revolutionizing the field by leveraging advanced technology to thoroughly clean and disinfect the root canal system with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue. Unlike traditional root canal techniques, the GentleWave system utilizes a combination of fluid dynamics and acoustic energy to efficiently remove bacteria, debris and infected tissue from even the most complex anatomy. This results in shorter treatment times, reduced postoperative discomfort and improved outcomes for patients. By expanding the range of cases that can be successfully treated with endodontics and enhancing patient comfort and satisfaction, the GentleWave procedure is setting a new standard for endodontic care, ultimately elevating the quality of dental treatment in the field.

How do you promote work-life balance?

By respecting personal time and boundaries. I encourage team members to prioritize self-care and wellness to prevent burnout and maintain overall well-being.

Tell us about your family.

I consider one of my most significant achievements to be the strong Trojan legacy within my family. I attended USC and was the class president for two years. My wife, Mary, graduated from USC at the top of her class in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. Our son, Chris, earned his bachelor’s in communications from USC in 2000. Our daughter Kathryn is currently a D3 student at USC’s Ostrow School of Dentistry, and our youngest, Caroline, is a sophomore at USC studying biological sciences with aspirations for a pre-med degree. 

My wife is also deeply engaged in philanthropy. She previously served as president of PV Junior Women’s Club, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting women and children in need in the South Bay community. Our family wholeheartedly supports her endeavors, recognizing the profound impact she and the dedicated members of PV Juniors have on the lives of others.

Photographed by Shane O’Donnell