Questa’s longtime dentist, Dr. Keith D. Jameson, has decided to retire at the end of 2024, after serving the northern New Mexico community for 43 years.

“I just decided it’s time to retire and enjoy life,” Dr. Jameson says. His father was a dentist, and he followed in his footsteps. “We came to New Mexico originally from Wisconsin. My dad traveled through the Air Force and finished up his career working at the Bureau of Indian Affairs. That’s how I got to New Mexico.”

Dr. Jameson was hired by two Taos dentists after graduating from dental school in 1983. “After some time, I decided to go my own way and open my practice.” While he hasn’t been in the same location his entire career, he has consistently worked in Questa two days a week to serve residents.

Over the past 43 years, he has seen thousands of patients, providing crucial dental services, including reconstructive dental work, root canals, and crowns. Currently, the practice has 400 to 500 patients. “We’ve been letting people know that I am retiring. Now as for the practice, I own this building so I am looking at options on what to do with it,” says Dr. Jameson. “I have spoken with a few dentists in Taos about taking over, but they haven’t committed to anything, so the future is still developing.”

Working in his practice are dental hygienist Katrina Gonzales, dental assistant Michelle Pacheco, and office manager Janet Martinez, who has been with the practice for 40 years.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes and improvements over the past 43 years. Questa has transitioned from a full-blown mining town and now, it’s figuring out its identity, in tourism and as an economic hub. It’s been a great experience serving Questeños,” he says.

As for Dr. Jameson, he says he’s looking forward to retiring. “I have a small ranch in Cabresto and that is my retirement home. I have a few grandchildren and I want to take some time to be a grandpa,” he says. “Most of my best friends are Questeños and I am so grateful for my time in this community which has embraced me.”