It is with sadness that Bite magazine reports the passing of Dr Michael Kelly on 12 June 2022 at the age of 86.
Dr Kelly was born on 30 June 1935 in Murrurundi, a rural town located in the Upper Hunter Shire. He studied dentistry at The University of Sydney (1953-58) and was by all accounts an exceptional student.
In 1955, he won both the Commonwealth scholarship and the GS Caird scholarship for Prosthetic Dentistry.
In 1958, he graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with honours and in the same year earned the faculty of Dentistry Teaching Fellowship in Oral Surgery and Prosthetic Dentistry at the United Dental Hospital.
Dr Kelly set up his own practice in Moree in 1964 where he practised until 1993, spending much of this time at the surgery in Orana Arcade. He also practised part-time at Warialda.
In 1985, Dr Kelly was awarded honorary life membership of the Dental Health Education and Research Foundation (for Outstanding Contribution to the Betterment of Dental Health in His Community).
Dr Kelly moved to the Moree Hospital Dental Clinic in 1994, where he worked eight more years until he retired in 2002.
While practising, Dr Kelly was also a local councillor from 1980 to 1987. During this time, he crusaded passionately to get the Moree water supply fluoridated, although was not successful which he considered a great disappointment at the time.
Dr Michael Kelly was a true gentleman and a great friend to all and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his children and grandchildren, and wife of 63 years, Margaret.
