The Canyon Dental Centre Dental Team

Jennifer was born and raised in Calgary. She began her dental career as a Dental Assistant, graduating from SAIT in 2013. After the completion of her certificate, Jennifer went on to specialize in orthodontics. She has taken many continuing education courses with a strong emphasis on preventive orthodontics, including Myofunctional Training with MyoBrace, and Buteyko Breathing certification. Jennifer decided to further her career in preventive dentistry and has completed a Dental Hygiene Diploma at Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and Auxiliaries.

Most of Jennifer’s free time is spent in the mountains hiking, snowboarding, or playing hockey. Her passion is travel. So far she has explored 10 countries, and after the pandemic is over, she plans to expand that list. Jennifer looks forward to picking your teeth and your brain for travel ideas!

Janice has been a part of the Dental industry since 2005. She began her career as a graduate from SAIT with a Certified Dental Assistant Certificate. While at SAIT, Janice received the Alberta Dental Association and College Award in recognition of achievement in the Dental Assisting Program and the Dental Assisting Subject Award for Oral Anatomy and Prosthodontics.

Janice became a Registered Dental Hygienist in 2008, when her interest in the connections between oral and systemic health began. In May 2016, Janice’s love of education led her to a Degree in Dental Science from the University of British Columbia, where she graduated with honours. In 2017, a literature review she wrote was published in The Journal of Dental Hygiene, titled Exploring Interprofessional Relationships Between Dental Hygienists and Health Professionals in Rural Canadian Communities.

Patient care and relationship development are among Janice’s strongest skills. She has a gentle approach and loves the rapport that she gets to build with people every day. When Janice is not busy working, you can find her spending time with family, exploring Fish Creek Park, or reading.

Malyssa is a proud Calgary native who earned a degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Lethbridge. Immediately following graduation, she moved to Vancouver where she completed her diploma in Dental Hygiene with honors. Malyssa worked in various practice settings, including independent dental hygiene clinics, pediatric offices, periodontal specialty offices, and general dentistry.

In the summer, Malyssa can be found standup paddle boarding with her dog, or bike riding with him in his K9 sports pack on her back. Malyssa points out that he gets to enjoy all of the attention from passing pedestrians, while she just sweats and works hard carrying his extra 20lbs! (No one said biking uphill with a dog on your back would be easy). When Malyssa and her dog are not busy getting into trouble, she can be found at the clinic, working hard to provide patients with the highest level of care by exceeding the Practice Standards and Guidelines. Malyssa’s patients can expect honest, thorough, evidence-based assessments and education about their specific oral health. Malyssa takes great pride in motivating patients to want for themselves the level of health she knows they can achieve! For Malyssa, the real reward is when she and you realize that you got there together!

Laura was born in Calgary, but raised mostly in Okotoks, AB. Following high school graduation, Laura attended the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, where she received her Bachelor of Dental Science (Dental Hygiene). During her time at UBC, Laura was honored to be awarded the College of Dental Hygienists of BC’s Community Service Award, for her involvement with the Dental Undergraduate Society as a peer mentor. She joined the Canyon Dental Centre team in 2016 and has never looked back!

Laura’s favourite part of being a hygienist is all the wonderful people she gets to meet, and her ability to help patients take care of their smiles! Laura is known for her “gentle touch,” and always looks forward to meeting anyone who may be looking for this quality in their dental hygienist.

In her spare time, Laura enjoys snowboarding, reading, cuddling with her cat, and occasionally letting her husband take her fishing (she may even out-fish him sometimes!). One interesting fact about Laura is that she has been bungee jumping, and she would happily go again!

Michelle is a proud dental hygienist at Canyon Dental Centre and has been since 2011. She finds the work immensely gratifying, and loves getting to meet and provide dental hygiene care to such a wide variety of people on a daily basis. Michelle recognizes the importance of oral health. She enjoys ‘cleaning teeth’ while also promoting overall dental health and teaching her patients the proper way to care for their teeth. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys hiking, being outdoors, and spending time with family.

Alanna brings over 20 years of dental experience to Canyon Dental Centre. After graduating from Saskatchewan Polytechnic with a diploma in Dental Assisting in 1998, Alanna went on to complete an advanced diploma in Dental Hygiene in 2004. Upon graduation, she was the recipient of the Mary Geddes Memorial award that recognizes a student for their attributes, skills and attitudes promoted in the role of a dental hygienist.

Alanna joined Canyon Dental Centre in 2011 and has been dedicated to providing optimal oral health care to patients young and old ever since! She loves building relationships with her patients, promoting healthy habits and helping them achieve their best smile. As the dental industry evolves, Alanna continues to stay informed about the latest research and technology, expanding her knowledge and refining her clinical skills so that she is always able to deliver excellent dental hygiene care.

Outside the office, Alanna loves spending time with her husband, daughter and Goldendoodle “Obi.” They enjoy downhill skiing, watching Marvel movies, making trips to see family in Saskatchewan, and always planning their next big vacation.

Elaine was born and raised in Edmonton and completed her dental hygiene education in Toronto. She has been practicing since 2012. She moved to Calgary in 2021 but will always be an Oilers fan! Her passion for dentistry began when she was a sterilization tech as a high school summer intern. Elaine is passionate that good oral hygiene is a significant part of overall health but she understands that going to the dentist can be a daunting task for patients. Her highest priority is patient care and education. She has a gentle yet thorough touch and strives to ensure patient comfort during their visit.

Elaine has also been on over 10 volunteer dental mission trips to different countries around the world with Kindness in Action and Dentistry for All. She hopes to continue her volunteer work and provide dental care for underprivileged communities.

When Elaine is not in the clinic, she enjoys travelling, trying new restaurants, golfing and spending time with family.

Krista graduated from the University of Alberta in 2012 with a Biological Sciences Degree. After graduation, she decided to pursue her dreams of becoming a dental hygienist and moved to Nanaimo, BC to attend Vancouver Island University. Here she received her Dental Hygiene Diploma along with the BCDHA Award of Excellence and the Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award.

Krista is very passionate about the oral health of her patients and more specifically the link to overall systemic health. She is keen to educate patients on the status of their oral health and identify areas of improvement. Krista has participated in multiple dental missions with the organization Dentistry for All to Guatemala and also volunteers locally with them. She places a strong emphasis on helping communities in need and is proud to be able to share her skills in areas with limited access to care.

Out of the office, you can find Krista outside hiking, skiing, running, and exploring with her husband and two children. She cannot wait to meet all of the wonderful patients at Canyon Dental Centre and see all the smiling faces!