James Houston Kelly, DDS
704/867-1791
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The dentist’s primary job should be to teach their patient how to obtain and maintain a healthy smile. The word “doctor” means “teacher” in Latin. I believe that a successful patient-dentist relationship is based on trust. As a patient myself, I feel the most confident in the caregiver who takes time to listen to my concerns. After a thorough comprehensive exam and consultation, together, we will discuss different options and customize a plan that is right for you. Simple as it may sound, my dental philosophy is based on the golden rule – do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. As your dentist, I will strive to give you a smile you will be proud of.
Learn more about Dr. James Kelly
Education
Doctor of Dental Surgery
University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Science
North Carolina State University
Professional Associations
- American Dental Association
- North Carolina Dental Association
- Gaston County Dental Society
- Catawba Study Club
- Gaston Study Club
- Gaston 3i Implat Study Club
Community Involvement:
- First A.R. Presbyterian Church, Gastonia
- The Rotary Club of Gastonia
- Boy Scouts of America, Volunteer and Eagle Scout
Interests and Hobbies:
- Time with my wife, Alice Ann, who is also a dentist
- Bee Keeping
- Youth leader at First ARP Church and other church activities
- Outdoor activities
- Camping and hiking
- Hunting and fishing
Questions and Answers with Dr. Jim Kelly
Q: Do you see children?
Dr. Jim: I do see families with children. They are some of my best dental patients and I enjoy them. In order to try and provide a stress free environment for my adult patients, I do not see children with behavioral management problems; I refer them to a pediatric dental clinic.
Q: How do you keep up with changes in dentistry?
Dr. Jim: By reading, attending courses and classes, and through study clubs. The newest of effective technologies and techniques are always being evaluated and implemented into my practice. Any dentist who does not keep up with advances in his practice will not only become bored with dentistry he will not best serve his patients. I always strive to be above the standard in care in dentistry.
Q: What are your payment policies?
Dr. Jim: First, I want to make sure my patients understand what work is needed, what it costs, and estimate what insurance will pay, then make a treatment plan based on the patient’s wishes. I want to help my patients be able to pay for the dentistry they want. I will file dental insurance for the patient and ask the patient to pay their portion. I often do a half down and half at completion. For anyone who needs a longer term of financing, we can help arrange no interest loans through Care Credit or American General. Of course, we accept cash, check, Visa, Master Card or Discover.
Q: What type of services do you provide?
Dr. Jim: as a general dentist, I enjoy providing a full range of services including porcelain crowns, veneers, and filling, root canals, extraction including routine wisdom teeth, invisible trays for simple orthodontic cases. I also work with the best specialists in the area for more complicated periodontal, orthodontic, endodontic surgery, and implant cases.