History
Kennedy Dental Office
Kennedy Dental Office – A History
Dr. Carl Lemley Kennedy (1904–1963) graduated from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 1929 and chose Montgomery, West Virginia, to start his practice. What began as a short-term plan became a lifelong commitment to the community.
Dr. Kennedy grew up in Hundred, WV. Though encouraged to enter business like his brothers, he pursued college and later dentistry after being inspired during his studies. His brother Jim helped finance his education, and during that time he worked, studied, and met his future wife, Mary Eugenia Cross.
After graduating and marrying in 1929, Dr. Kennedy moved to Montgomery and opened his practice. By 1939, he expanded into a larger facility and quickly built a strong reputation. His success was rooted in being personable, skilled, and committed to quality care.
Growth of the Practice
The Kennedy practice became a family legacy:
- Dr. Carl Lee Kennedy joined in 1957
- Dr. Nathaniel (“Nat") Kennedy joined in 1961
- Dr. Charles Andrew ("Andy") Kennedy joined in 1986
- Dr. James (“Jim”) Kennedy joined in 1989
By 1961, the practice moved to its current Montgomery location on Fourth Avenue and continued to grow.
Expansion & Challenges
A fire in 1981 temporarily disrupted the practice, but it was rebuilt. A second location opened in Whitesville in 1990, followed by Southridge in 1997. In 2006, the Southridge office moved to a larger facility. The Whitesville office closed in 2007 to focus on other locations.
Current Practice
Locations: Montgomery and Charleston (Southridge Centre)
Staff: 18 team members, including 3 dentists and 4 hygienists
Services include: general dentistry, implant and cosmetic dentistry, limited orthodontics (Invisalign), and extractions. Specialists are used when needed.
We accept West VA Medicaid and most insurance plans, CareCredit, credit cards, and private pay. New patients and emergencies are welcome.
Our Philosophy
“Treat the patient right with all our might.”
Contact Information
Montgomery Office: 410 Fourth Ave, Montgomery, WV | 304-442-2488
Hours: Mon–Thurs, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Southridge Office: 1000 Parkway Rd, Charleston, WV | 304-744-9717
Hours: Mon–Thurs, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Kennedy Dental Office
A Legacy of Care – Timeline
1929 – Dr. Carl Lemley Kennedy opens practice in Montgomery, WV
1939 – Expands into larger office
1952 - Carl Lemley Kennedy contributed to locating the Medical Center in Morgantown and helped set up the WVU School of Medicine
1953 – WV Dental Association President
1957 – Dr. Carl Lee Kennedy joins
1961 – Dr. Nat Kennedy joins; move to Fourth Avenue
1963 – Founder passes; legacy continues
1981 – Office fire; practice rebuilt
1986 – Dr. Andy Kennedy joins
1989 – Dr. Jim Kennedy joins
1990 – Whitesville office opens
1997 – Southridge office opens
2006 – Southridge relocates to Parkway Road
2007 – Whitesville office closes
2002–2004 – New generation joins practice
2005-2025 – Family losses & COVID‑19 challenges
Today – 90+ years of service, 4 generations, 2 locations
