Murray Dental Group is celebrating two milestones this year: 50 years since Dr. Robert Murray first opened the practice in Minnesota and 40 years since he relocated it to Glenwood Springs.

The practice will mark the anniversary with a celebration at 4 p.m. Friday at its Glenwood Springs office, 1512 Grand Ave. 

Robert Murray first opened the Glenwood Springs practice in 1986. It is now run by his son Dr. John Murray. The practice opened a new branch in Rifle in early 2026. 

For Robert Murray his practice is about more than just dentistry. 

“The thing I like the best is meeting the people and interacting with the people,” Robert Murray said.  

Friday’s anniversary celebration will feature remarks from both Robert and John Murray, a slideshow commemorating the work done by the practice and its employees, as well as snacks and champagne. 

As a thank you to Glenwood Springs for 40 years of support, Murray Dental Group is offering a comprehensive “smile makeover,” to a community nominee who “made a positive impact through service, kindness, dedication, or sacrifice.” The recipient will be announced at the event on Friday.

Murray Dental’s community outreach is not limited to just this promotion. 

“We’ve been here in Glenwood Springs for 40 years and try to support the community as much as we possibly can,” John Murray said.

Each Veterans Day, the practice is closed for regular business and serves veterans for free all day, cleaning their teeth and doing any dental work they may need. 

“Thats my favorite day,” said Dawn Pozorski, a hygienist and office manager, “They are so grateful, it’s a special day.” 

Robert Murray originally began his practice in Minnesota in 1976. After visiting a friend, longtime Glenwood Springs city manager Mike Copp, Murray decided to make the move himself. 

John Murray was in first grade at the time of the move, and is a graduate of Glenwood Springs High School. It was in his time as a Demon that he began to consider following his father’s footsteps and pursuing dentistry. 

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The continual connection to Glenwood Springs has been an important part of John Murray’s work. 

“Getting to come back and reconnect with people that were my mentors,” said John Murray, “and now I’m taking care of them as the doctor… has been awesome.”

Running a small business has no shortage of challenges. With increasing regulations and COVID-19 pandemic, dentistry has become “much much more complicated than it was when I started,” John Murray said. 

Despite these challenges, Murray Dental Group has grown from 10 employees to nearly 25, and expanded with its Rifle location. John Murray said maintaining the practice’s family-run approach remains central to its identity.

“I look forward to being able to take care of people the way that they’re supposed to be taken care of and not being caught up in the red-tape, bureaucratic stuff that a lot of corporate dentistry has become,” John Murray said.