We welcome you to meet our dentist and his terrific dental team, who is available to take care of your family’s dental health needs, in Palo Alto, California. At McKenna Family Dentistry, we are proud to offer our services and hope you will contact us for an appointment!

 

Dr. David

David L. McKenna, DDS (Dr. Dave)

A Palo Alto native, Cubberley High School graduate and life long Stanford Cardinal sports fanatic. I earned a degree in Biology at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Then it was on to U. O. P. school of Dentistry in S. F.; where I was able to complete my childhood dream of becoming a dentist, enabling me to work with my dad, JB McKenna, for 17 years.Bringing a new meaning to “Family Dentistry” I’ve also been enjoying working with my sister, Judi McKenna Edwards. She is without a doubt a dynamic and energetic force in our practice. I’m grateful for the opportunity to team up with her, providing an energy, knowledge, and care which I am very proud of. Our therapy dogs are also a big part of our team, providing patients with comfort during procedures.I have three wonderful children: Kelly, Holly, and Mitchell. I am an avid softball player, and also enjoy mountain biking, skiing, or just recharging in the great ooutdoors.

“Our beloved Dr Dave has passed away, however his spirit and what he built with Mckenna Family Dentistry will live on”


Dr. Mimi

Mimi Salkola, DDS (Dr. Mimi)

I have been very fortunate to have chosen a career where I look forward to coming to work every day since 1998. Seeing my patients in the office is like seeing “Old Friends”. I grew up in San Jose and graduated from UCSF where I received many awards for academic excellence and earned a place on the Dean’s List. I have been a long time member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association and Mid-Peninsula dental society. My love for dentistry shows through when I am treating my patients. I strive to be as gentle as possible while creating beautiful and “perfect” dentistry. My motto is “fun, friendly and exceptional dental care”. My goal is to make every one of my patient’s visits pleasant and enjoyable.In my spare time, I enjoy watching funny movies with my two sons. I also volunteer in their schools, where I teach the children about dental health and help raise funds for the schools. I love music and will sing all day if I am allowed. My Karaoke parties are well known in my neighborhood. I also enjoy going to the opera with my husband and take long, long walks, especially in the rain. In addition, I can bake bread that will make a grown man cry, a skill I learned from Eske, a friend who used to be a patient in this office until he moved back to Denmark. My latest passion is hula dancing which I’ve been learning mostly from YouTube videos. Who knows…. you might just get a hula performance instead of a filling the next time you are in the office. Aloha!


Dr. Beckstead

Davis Beckstead, DDS

Dear Patients,

We are pleased and excited to welcome Dr. Davis Beckstead to McKenna Family Dentistry. After intensive interviews of multiple candidates, Dr. Beckstead was handpicked by Judi McKenna Edwards, Dr. Mimi and the team to join our practice.

“I feel very fortunate and grateful to be a part of the legacy that Mckenna Family Dentistry has built over the 40 years of practicing in Palo Alto, CA. To say I have big shoes to fill is an understatement. I hope to add to what the McKenna’s have been able to build, which is all about patient education, support and being treated like family. I am grateful to Judi and the staff for their confidence and care. I plan to continue this legacy and keep what has made Mckenna Family Dentistry different than the rest. I want to take time and personally connect with each of you.” — Dr. Beckstead

Dr. Beckstead graduated from the prestigious University of the Pacific dental school in San Francisco. While a dental student, he was able learn and perform all aspects of dentistry.

Dr. Beckstead was born and raised in Los Altos, California. He is a third-generation dentist with his dad, Mark Beckstead, DDS, who has been a periodontist (gum specialist) in this area for over 30 years. His dad has played a big role in him wanting to be a dentist. It was working at his dad’s office at a young age that ignited his desire to become a dentist himself. Seeing the changes that he made for his patients along the way helped him see what dentistry is all about, which are the relationships and friendships with all of you.

This allowed him to find his passion helping patients achieve a healthy and functional smile. Seeing the changes in patients and the confidence they gained after creating their smile was truly eye opening. He loves being able to help patients achieve their goals of having a smile that they love.

His wife, Johnna, and he have three wonderful children that keep them very busy. Vivian is at Addison elementary. She loves dancing, singing and being a big sister to her two younger brothers. Sam is full of energy and loves race cars. He is rarely found without a toy car in his hand, racing it through the house. Bennett has been a great addition to our family. He is a great baby, and he puts up with Vivian and Sam, who are kissing and hugging him all the time.

 

Meet Our Team

Judi
Judi McKenna Edwards – Registered Dental Hygienist
I grew up here in Palo Alto with a loving family and wild times. I went to the University of New Mexico, Las Vegas and got my dental hygiene degree from Foothill College. I enjoy keeping the legacy of my father, Dr. JB’s practice going.My passions are my husband, my daughter, my two grandchildren, and of course, my dog, Callie-Jo. I love spending time with my family, traveling, going on walks, friends, cooking and being out doors. I enjoy my family; most of you know my father, J.B., who started McKenna Family Dentistry back in 1958. He is one of a kind and has the biggest heart. He is a teacher of love and life. He retired and moved with his dogs to the mountains in Placerville, CA. I still see him quite often and he is doing well. We miss our daily hugs though.

Deb
Deborah Glerum – Practice Manager
Hi there… everybody knows me as Deb, I am the “behind the scenes” person keeping the wheels turning at MFD.I was born In San Francisco, raised in Palo Alto, and am the second oldest in a family of seven children. I am also a graduate of Cubberley High and have been a member of this community for over 40 years.I entered the dental field right out of college, married a dentist and the rest is history… My husband, now retired, practiced alongside JB Mckenna in the community, so our families have always been a part of each other’s lives. I feel very fortunate to have been mentored by the best in the dental field.I have two beautiful daughters, Jessica and Julia, and two incredible grandsons. I enjoy gardening, traveling to the islands, finding a “good read” and eating my husband’s gourmet cooking (so does the staff). My true passion is Hula and I have been active with my local halau in Half Moon Bay for over 7 years; you could easily catch a glimpse of us performing in and around the community just for fun!

I am passionate about my work and feel blessed to be apart of this loving and caring dental family!


Christina
Christina Di Bono – Registered Dental Assistant
Greetings! My Name is Christina. I have been at McKenna Family Dentistry since January 2017. I absolutely love this office and I am grateful to be part of such an extraordinary team. Our energy here is positive, fun, and very upbeat. I have 13 years of experience working in the dental field as an RDA. I enjoy working with people and making them feel comfortable and at ease when they come in for any procedure.I am a San Francisco native, but currently reside on the beautiful peninsula in Redwood City. I have three awesome sons, Charlie, Joey, and Jordan, whom I love to death and am very proud of. Country music is my favorite, but I listen to any type of music. I am an avid dog lover, sometimes a little over the top when it comes to the fur babies at McKenna Family Dentistry. We have two of the cutest therapy dogs in the office. How great is that! I am truly blessed to be part of a team that cares so much for people and their oral hygiene, and I look forward to meeting you. Ciao for now!

Yvonne
Yvonne Cantrell – Treatment Coordinator
Hi, my name is Yvonne Cantrell. I joined the McKenna Family in 2008 as the Treatment Coordinator. I’ve been in the dental field for over 20 years, my experience ranges from hygiene coordinator to Office Manger. I love working with people and creating a happy and friendly environment for the patients and my co-workers throughout the day.I pride myself on my friendliness and keeping those around me smiling. I can be a bit of a smarty-pants at times but it’s all in love. I have two boys, age 25 and 16, who keep me on my toes. I enjoy cooking, hiking, writing poetry and watching good movies. I aspire to travel around the country and learn more about our nation.

Lacey
Lacey Vanderzyl – Hygiene Treatment Coordinator
Hi! My name is Lacey and I’m the new kid on the block. I’ve been at McKenna Family Dentistry since February 2019. I think it’s safe to say I feel like I belong here in this caring and fun-loving office!I was born and raised in Redwood City and love the Bay Area. I enjoy going to concerts, camping, traveling, and overall just laying back and relaxing and enjoying life with my friends and family. My friends and I often go to Disneyland (at least 3-4 times a year) to “take it back” and act like a kid again. It keeps us younger!