Dr. Kelley Ryals

State Dental Officer · New Mexico Army National Guard · company speakers →

Dr. Kelley Ryals , DDS is a dedicated dental professional and leader with a deep commitment to clinical excellence, public service, and the advancement of organized dentistry. A native of New Mexico, she earned her BS in Science from the University of New Mexico in 2003 and graduated cum laude from Creighton University School of Dentistry in 2011. Following graduation, Dr. Ryals returned to Santa Fe and joined Pacific Dental Services, where she successfully grew her leadership footprint by acquiring and managing six dental practices, primarily based at Santa Fe Modern Dentistry. That same year, she began her service with the New Mexico Army National Guard, where she currently serves as the State Dental Officer with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In this role, she oversees dental readiness statewide and has deployed to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Eastern Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, providing care to soldiers across seven countries. Her leadership within organized dentistry is equally extensive. Dr. Ryals served as President of the New Mexico Dental Association following her tenure as President of the Santa Fe District Dental Society. She has represented District 14 as an alternate delegate to the ADA House of Delegates and has been an active voice on the ADA’s Large Group and Multi-Site Practice Task Force. In 2024, she chaired the New Mexico Large Group and Multi-Site Practice Task Force and led the successful passage of a landmark 2025 resolution establishing the first state-level committee dedicated to this growing segment of dental practice. In 2023, she was appointed to serve on the Council for Dental Education and licensure (CDEL) where she is currently the chair for Licensure. She also serves on the Quality Assurance Committee for the Delta Dental Board. Her professional affiliations include the American Dental Association (ADA), New Mexico Dental Association (NMDA), and Santa Fe District Dental Society (SFDDS). A passionate advocate for access to care, Dr. Ryals chaired the 2024 Santa Fe Mission of Mercy and founded Give Veterans a Smile, a New Mexico initiative dedicated to serving those who served. Dr. Ryals brings a dynamic combination of clinical experience, regulatory insight, and servant leadership to every role she undertakes, with a vision to strengthen the future of dentistry and expand access to care across the country.

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