Our Staff

Kelly S. Kennan, D.D.S.

Dr. Kelly Kennan-Houlihan, DDS, PC started her Salisbury, MD practice in 1999 within the same office as her father, Dr. Dana Kennan, DDS, MS, PA.  Dr. Kennan-Houlihan is a general dentist and graduated from the University Of Maryland School Of Dental Surgery in 1999.  Prior to that, she graduated from Arizona State University in 1993 with a major in Biology and a minor in Pre-Med.  She also attended Denison University, Salisbury State University, and Cornell University.  While at Cornell University, she studied marine biology at the Isles of Shoales research lab on Appledore Island, Maine. Dr. Kennan-Houlihan also studied internationally in Europe for college credits. She is also a 1988 graduate of Worcester Country School. 

Dr. Kennan-Houlihan has advanced training in multiple areas. She completed a dental externship at Fort Mead Army Base and Walter Reed Hospital and concurrent specialty training in Forensic Odontology, Bite Analysis and Forensic Age Identification through the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology at Walter Reed Hospital.  She is currently trying to obtain a position on the Region 3 DMORT team and currently assists Homeland Security with Age Identifications of Immigrants.  Dr. Kennan-Houlihan is also a dental lab technician trained under her father, a prosthodontist; she has been in training for 34 years and specializes in porcelain and gold crowns, bridgework, dentures, and partial dentures. She also has completed training in 2004 for 3D CEREC all porcelain inlays, onlays, and crowns. She was also a surgical photographer for Dr. Donald Tilghman, an oral surgeon, and Dr. Dana Kennan for implant placement cases from 1983-1999.  Dr. Kennan-Houlihan also worked as a surgical assistant, medical records employee, and a researcher for R.V. Stephens, M.D. from 1992-1995 where she did researched comparison studies of stent placement and types placed.

Dr. Kennan-Houlihan is currently a member of the American Dental Association, the Maryland State Dental Society, the Eastern Shore Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Association of Women Dentists, and the American Society of Forensic Odontology. 

While in dental school, she won the 1999 Toomey Award for Senior Case Presentation on “Dysphasia” and “Denture Induced Papillary Hyperplasia”.  While at Arizona State University she served as treasurer, and vice president of Delta Delta Delta Sorority and also assisted with the recruitment for the Tri-Delta at Northern Arizona State University and University of Arizona. And yes, you did see her in theatrical productions at Worcester Country School of The King & I, and Jesus Christ Superstar! 

Dr. Kennan-Houlihan has many hobbies.  She trained for her private pilots’ license in single engine and multiple engine planes in Arizona and her finalization of licensure is planned.  She was a member of the Arizona State University skeet and trap shooting team, “The Gun Devils”, traveling the West Coast competing where the team received many awards. She has also been awarded multiple sailing awards for Lazer Racing on the Shore, tennis awards, and is an avid gardener, hunter, painter, swimmer, traveler, and beach lover. 

Dr. Kennan-Houlihan and her husband, Bill Houlihan are locals that were both born and raised in Salisbury, MD and currently reside in Delmar, MD.  They are currently doing home improvement projects and Dr. Kennan-Houlihan loves the demolition and construction! Dr. Kennan-Houlihan is a sister, an aunt to twelve nieces and nephews, a godmother, and the mother to three furry children!

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Karen – Office Manager & Businees/ Financial Coordinator Karen comes to Dr. Houlihan with twenty-five years experience in the dental field as both a dental assistant and front desk experience. She enjoys both positions and uses this knowledge to better serve our patients. Karen is originally from “the other side of the bridge” and moved to Kent Island, with her husband, in April of 2009. She and her husband enjoy their view of the bay, spending time with their children, but especially their beautiful grandchildren! We welcome Karen to our team!

Amanda – Dental Assistant Amanda is Dr. Houlihan’s “right hand”. She joined our practice in November of 2008. Amanda received her dental assisting training at Chesapeake College in 2007 and her dental x-ray certification from Wor-Wic Community College in 2008. She has worked in the dental field since 2007 and looks forward to continuing her dental education.

Kelly – Dental Hygienist Kelly attended the University of Maryland College Park where she received a degree in Public Health before continuing on to the University of Maryland School of Dental Surgery where she received her Bachelors of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. Kelly has multiple areas of training and completed her internship at the United States Naval Academy, Dental clinic in Annapolis, Maryland. Kelly has been a practicing Registered Dental Hygienist for the past 19 years and specializes in multiple areas such as, pedodontics, periodontics, special needs patient, digital radiography, intra oral camera technology, oral health and cosmetic dental procedures. When Kelly is not working, she is off traveling the world, she hs been to 6 of the 7 continents, she also enjoys, crafts, scrap booking, entertaining, and time with her friends and family.

Ava – Dental Hygienist Ava attended Wesley College where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in the sciences and then attended Temple University school of Dental Hygiene where she received her Bachelors of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. Ava has been practicing Registered Dental Hygienist for over 32 years, she has worked in genera, periodontal, and pedodontic dental offices. Ava is proficient in all areas relating to dental hygiene including, but not limited to digital radiography, pit and fissure sealants, intra oral camera technology and oral health care. Ava is married and resides on the Eastern shore with her husband; she has two sons who are currently finishing their college educations, a step son who is a freshman in college, and a step daughter who is a senior in high school. When Ava is not working, she and her husband enjoy biking rail road trails, hiking, freshwater fishing, boating, kayaking and canoeing.

Kelly & Ava -- Dental Hygienist As a duo team of dental hygienists, Kelly and Ava continue to refine their skills by taking an average of 24 to 30 hours of continued education yearly. Their abilities to understand the patients wants and desires is what helps create and keep their beautiful smiles, they believe improving one's self images is as important as their dental health. Kelly and Ava's attitudes, as well as their advanced/excellent clinical skills helps give their patients the best possible dental experience.

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