Filling the last cavity in a remarkable career

Words

and photo by Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan
After 38 years of caring for the smiles of Killarney, Dr Brendan Coffey is hanging up the drill.

There are some retirements that quietly slip by. And then there are retirements that leave an entire town smiling.
When I arrived at Killarney Dental Clinic at the Reeks Gateway to meet Dr Brendan Coffey ahead of his retirement, I had to wait a few minutes while he finished with a patient. As it happened, that patient was Johnny Healy which seemed quite fitting indeed.
While I waited, I found myself sitting by the large window overlooking the Cleeny Roundabout, arguably one of Killarney's finest people-watching spots.
Meanwhile, Brendan was finishing with the very man who helped start it all!
Back in May 1988, Brendan bought a small house on New Street from Paddy Doyle and transformed it into a dental surgery. The final coat of paint was applied on Thursday, May 12th. The following morning, Friday the 13th, unlucky for some, he opened the door and hoped for the best.
"I had no idea when my first patient would arrive," Brendan recalled. But he needn't have worried.
His neighbour, Johnny Healy from Healy's Shop on New St, walked through the door that morning and became the first patient of Killarney Dental Clinic. Almost four decades later, Johnny found himself back in the chair as one of Brendan's final patients before retirement, gifting Johnny a hamper of chocolate, which some might consider, a referral scheme for his son Jack.
Over the next 38 years, Brendan became a familiar face, a trusted voice and a calming presence for generations of families.
Children who once nervously sat in his chair returned years later with children of their own. The practice became woven into the very fabric of the community. And when speaking about his career, Brendan's gratitude shines through.
"The people of Killarney have been wonderful, loyal and friendly," he said. "It has been a privilege to treat them."
That gratitude also extends to the staff who helped create the welcoming atmosphere that became synonymous with Killarney Dental Clinic.
And no mention of the practice would be complete without acknowledging his wife Brenda, who spent many years as Practice Manager and played a pivotal role in helping make the clinic what it is today.
In 2022, the next chapter began when Brendan's son Jack, who followed his father into dentistry before specialising in Endodontics, and his wife Emma took over the running of the practice.
For Brendan, it was the best of both worlds.
He was able to continue seeing patients while stepping away from the pressures of running a business.
"It was hugely enjoyable," he said. And perhaps even more enjoyable was watching the next generation take the practice to new heights.
In 2024, Jack and Emma made the decision to relocate to the Reeks Gateway and create a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology and an exceptional team.
The move also brought something you don't often associate with a dental clinic. A full-sized Pac-Man arcade machine.
Proudly positioned in the waiting area, it has become a firm favourite among younger visitors and may well be the ultimate expression of fun before a dental appointment.
When I asked Anna Toomey, who has worked with the practice for over three years, what it has been like working alongside Dr Coffey, her answer summed up the atmosphere perfectly.
"Only last week, an adult patient came in and said she couldn't tell her children she was coming to the dentist because they'd be upset they couldn't come too."
Now that's not something you hear every day.
Most children dread a visit to the dentist.
The move to the Reeks wasn't without its moments of comedy.
Brendan admits he approached all the shiny new technology with a degree of caution.
"I was thinking I'd be in big trouble if I broke any of that fabulous new equipment," he laughed.
Old habits also die hard.
During the first week after the move, he accidentally arrived at the old surgery on New Street before realising everyone else had moved.
Meanwhile, the staff at the Reeks were wondering where he was.
Like all changes, it took a little getting used to.
But today, Brendan walks through the doors of the clinic with a huge sense of pride.
As we spoke, it was clear there were mixed emotions surrounding retirement.
There was sadness at leaving behind the people he has met every week for almost four decades.
But there was also deep satisfaction.
The satisfaction of knowing patients will continue to receive excellent care.
The satisfaction of seeing the practice thrive.
And the satisfaction of knowing that what started in a small house on New Street has grown into something truly special.
As our conversation drew to a close, Brendan paused for a moment and looked around the clinic.
There was pride in his eyes.
There was gratitude too.
Then he smiled.
"I think it's time."
Simple words.
Yet behind them lies 38 years of dedication, commitment, compassion and care.
Thousands of patients.
Countless friendships.
And a lifetime spent giving people reasons to smile.
So from everyone whose fears he eased, whose toothache he cured and whose life he touched along the way, thank you, Dr Brendan Coffey.
You have certainly left your mark on Killarney.
And before he goes, he leaves us with three final pieces of wisdom:
“Easy on the sweets.
Give up the fags.
And don't eat for two hours