Turning the Page: A New Chapter at Middleburg Smiles
Written by Dulcy B. Hooper | Photo by Michael Butcher
After many years of serving the Middleburg community with dedication, compassion, and skill, Dr. Robert A. Gallegos, DDS, recently shared the news that he is looking ahead to his eventual retirement.
“While I am not leaving just yet,” he wrote in an email to clients, “I feel it is important to keep you informed as I take steps to ensure the continued care and well-being of my patients.”
Of the relationships he has formed in Middleburg, Gallegos says, “They are truly irreplaceable.” He continues, “But I feel that it is time for me to step away from the responsibilities of running a business and the rhythm of structuring life around work.” Gallegos notes that a two-week trip he and his wife, Beth, enjoyed this past summer was the first time he had taken more than a week off since their honeymoon 39 years ago.
“I feel it is important to keep you informed as I take steps to ensure the continued care and well-being of my patients.” –Gallegos
When starting out, “I had initially debated going into medicine and perhaps becoming an orthopedic surgeon. But being around my father [an oral and maxillofacial surgeon] and other medical surgeons showed me how much of their lives were spent in hospitals and dealing with emergencies on evenings and weekends,” he shares.
Gallegos made the conscious choice not to pursue medical or dental surgery in order to have more time with his family.
“I fell in love with general dentistry,” he says. “It allowed me to engage in a wide range of specialties, provided that I pursue the necessary training. I wanted to be able to advocate for my patients in the best way possible.”
In retirement, Gallegos hopes that there will be even more time for family and for travel. “Sometimes just the two of us,” he says of plans with his wife, “and other times with family and friends. And I’m also excited to play more golf — the last time I felt I played well was on my high school golf team. Since then, life has been full with school, work, and family.”
In looking for the right person to take over the Middleburg Smiles practice, Gallegos was focused on identifying someone who would ensure the same level of care and continue to advocate for patients.
“Our motto at Middleburg Smiles is ‘When Excellence Matters,’” he explains, sharing an experience that reflects how deeply the team cares for patients. “It was a patient in poor health who failed to arrive for her routine visit and did not respond to calls, texts, or emails. Concerned, my team contacted the police for a wellness check. She was found unconscious on the floor after a medical event that could have been fatal,” he remembers.
He is passing the torch to Dr. Kelly M. Lincoln, DDS, who he is confident will operate with the same level of care. “I have known Dr. Lincoln for 15 years,” he shares. “She is an experienced practitioner who provides compassionate care for people of all ages. She will actually be my dentist.”
Lincoln has lived in Loudoun County since 2011. She says that she was immediately drawn to the “beauty and quaintness of Middleburg” and adds, “It is rare these days to have a ‘town dentist’ feel, and that’s what I love about Middleburg Smiles and Middleburg in general.”
Lincoln understands Gallegos’ values and approach, and plans to build on his legacy. “Dentistry is always evolving,” she says, “and I think it’s important to keep up with these changes so that we are always giving patients the best, most up-to-date treatment options available.”
“It is rare these days to have a ‘town dentist’ feel, and that’s what I love about Middleburg Smiles and Middleburg in general.” –Lincoln
Lincoln and Gallegos plan to work side by side to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible. “I want to provide patients with the opportunity to get to know Dr. Lincoln while still seeing a ‘familiar face’ in the office,” Gallegos explains.
“Middleburg has a rich history of women leaders and business owners,” Lincoln says. “I am excited to be the first woman to own a dental practice in Middleburg. I want patients to enjoy coming to Middleburg Smiles and to look forward to their dental appointments. I am so excited to be a part of the Middleburg community!”
Expressing his gratitude to the community, to his patients, and to the Middleburg Smiles team, Gallegos’ comments are truly heartfelt: “It has been an honor to know you, serve you, and work with you. Beth and I are not moving away — we love this area and intend to keep our home here. And I look forward to seeing everyone around town!” ML
Middleburg Smiles
204 E. Federal Street
Middleburg, VA 20117
(540) 687-6363
Published in the January 2026 issue of Middleburg Life.