Originally from Scotland, Angus was inspired to pursue dental technology by his father’s practice as a dental technician. Since 2002, Angus has focused on CAD/CAM technology and implant restorations. He managed several commercial laboratories and a dental milling centre before starting at BC Digital Dental Studio to build a digitally focused dental lab. BC Digital Dental Studio is an in-house lab supporting BC Perio and its clinicians with patient focused solutions.
Dr. Birdi received his DMD with distinction from the University of Saskatchewan. He then moved to Minnesota to pursue post-graduate specialty training at the University of Minnesota in both periodontics and prosthodontics (6 years). He is a Fellow and previous Examiner for the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and a Diplomat of both the American Board of Periodontology and the American Board of Prosthodontics. Dr. Birdi is one of the very few board-certified dual specialists in periodontics and prosthodontics in North America, and the first and only specialist in the world to attain board certification in these two specialties in both the USA and Canada.
Throughout my professional journey, I have consistently reflected on the limitations imposed on our practice as Denturists in British Columbia. I envision a future where we can operate at the forefront of technological advancements, offering our patients the diverse treatment options they deserve, and collaborating with Denturists nationwide to embrace the dental implant revolution. I graduated in 2004 from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology with a degree in Denturism. After completing my studies, I relocated to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, where my wife, Michelle Nelson, R.D., and I established a practice focused on implant restorative solutions for my patients. I have dedicated four years to serving on the executive board of the Denturist Association of B.C., currently holding the position of Vice President. In 2020, I was honored to receive the Denturist of the Year award, recognizing my commitment and contributions to the profession of Denturism.
With over seven years of dedicated experience as a life and benefits specialist, Garrett Buchfink has established himself as a trusted expert in the industry. Licensed in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, Garrett has a deep understanding of the diverse needs of clients across these provinces. He specializes in developing custom programs tailored to the unique requirements of businesses and organizations, leading to measurable success and enhanced employee satisfaction.
Garrett's commitment to his clients goes beyond traditional benefits consulting; he takes the time to build meaningful relationships and truly understand their goals. His innovative approach has helped numerous businesses streamline their benefits offerings, optimize costs, and improve overall employee well-being.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Garrett is also a passionate musician who performs professionally on the side. His musical talents add a unique dimension to his profile, reflecting his creativity and pursuit of excellence in all areas of life. Whether he’s crafting customized benefits solutions or captivating an audience with his voice, Garrett Buchfink is dedicated to making a positive impact in his community.
Lisa Coffin DD, has been practicing the art of Denturism since graduating from NAIT in 2010. She has owned and operated a denture clinic as well as associated in several provinces across Canada. Her focus for the past five years has been learning the different Digital Denture workflows and the impact they will have on the advancement of removable prosthetics. Lisa strives for knowledge and is passionate to learn and share this information with other like-minded dental professionals.
Erika Colebank, RD, is a seasoned denturist with over 20 years of experience in the field. She practiced in Duncan, BC, alongside Stephanie Yeats, RD, until 2024, when she transitioned to medical studies at the University of British Columbia’s Medical Program in Victoria, BC. Erika’s presentation is part of her UBC research project, aimed at improving healthcare for British Columbians. She brings a unique perspective on the integration of dental and medical care to enhance patient outcomes.
Dean Fenwick is the founder of Specialized Office Systems Inc. which provides the DOMx practice management system for denturists: www.denturistsoftware.com. He has been a key contributor to the evolution of electronic claim submissions for denturists from its inception. Dean spent years teaching practice management to denturist students at NAIT and continues to support denturist education across Canada. As an avid supporter and champion for denturists, he is committed to the growth and prosperity of this vital industry. Dean firmly believes that with the rapid changes in technology, denturists should not only keep pace but be at the forefront of innovation.
Devaughn has worked in the health industry for 21 years - 18 specifically as a technician or as Director of Highland Dental Lab. Anticipating the morphing dental landscape,modernization began at Highland 18 years ago with the acquisition of their first in-house milling unit. Years later, the lab is state of the art with multiple scanners, mills & 3D model printers. Devaughn has received advanced design certificates from Dentsply Sirona, Vita and beyond. Further, he is numbered amongst a lucky few that are‘Global in Lab Trainers’ certified in Germany, and is a software, hardware & materials beta tester. Additionally, he is a certified CEREC SPEAR mentor and shares his passion through writing for several dental publications. Devaughn self identifies as a ‘tooth nerd’ and can be found immersed in a dental publication or tinkering with his dental ‘toys’. Devaughn is an avid outdoorsman, rugby fanatic & suffers from a congenitally defective sense of humor.
Vince brings fourteen years experience working in various positions in the mental health field. He currently works at CMHA in Penticton, developing and delivering wellness workshops to the community. His previous work has included the coordination of an employment program for at risk youth and supporting individuals at transitional housing facilities. He has extensive experience with a variety of clients who display complex needs including mental health and substance use challenges, and uses his facilitation skills to guide educational conversations around mental health topics.
Ashtyn Hoffer has been working with exocad since 2018. He graduated from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Denturist Technology in 2020 and has been designing non-stop ever since. After gaining experience in a lab environment, Ashtyn decided to focus solely on design, founding The Center of Dental Excellence. Committed to education, he has taught Exocad in multiple languages, as he knows the program like the back of his hand. Ashtyn believes that anyone can learn if they are willing to put in the effort!
Andreas is a Registered Dental Technologist with over 35 years of experience in the dental field. Andreas graduated from Technikon School of Dental Technology in South Africa in 1986. He founded La Lucia Dental Laboratory in 1991 and operated it until he came to Canada in 2001. In 2005, he became an RDT in Ontario. Andreas plays a major role in Panthera Dental’s strategy to incorporate more technical guides and articles into its portfolio. His experience as a dental technologist, combined with his field experience, allows him to offer customers precise and detailed solutions on a more technical level.
Denturist, Tanya Little is the owner of Envision Denture and Implant Centre near Vancouver BC, Canada. She has been a Denturist for over 20 years, and during this time she has received ongoing training and education from around the world. Tanya has a keen interest in digital Denturism and started tinkering with digital denture solutions back in 2016. She is enthusiastic about Smile Design for Dentures, Trios intra-oral scanning, 3D printing and milling.
Melanie is a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), who is certified in dental infection prevention and control (CDIPC) and brings over 25 years of healthcare experience. She is the Co-chair of the Dental Subcommittee with IPAC Canada and is a past clinician in the dental programs at Algonquin College. Melanie enjoys her Infection Control Coordinator role within Practice Health Check for the on-site visits and educating her peers and colleagues on infection control strategies in the dental setting. As a practicing RDH, Melanie brings a profound understanding of the unique challenges, and the nuance obstacles dental professionals navigate daily within the IPAC landscape. Melanie lives in the Ottawa area with her family.
Samson Ng, BSc(Pharm), DMD, MSc, FRCD(C), FDSRCSEd, Dip. ABOM., Dip. ABOMP is a Canadian and American Board certified oral medicine specialist and oral & maxillofacial pathologist. He is currently appointed as clinical professor at the University of British Columbia, and staff at the Department of Dentistry, and research clinician at the Department of Otolaryngology of the Vancouver General Hospital. Dr. Ng also operates a private practice which provides comprehensive oral medicine and pathology consultations, with a special interest in oral mucosal, temporomandibular joint diseases, and AI topographic Imaging & Diagnostics.
Brett is a seasoned insurance broker with 15 years of experience, specializing in commercial insurance for businesses. As the Managing Director at Wilson M. Beck Prince George, he provides tailored coverage solutions, from general liability to directors and officers insurance. Guided by the company’s motto, “We care and we help,” Brett ensures that clients not only understand their policies but also receive dedicated support when claims arise—helping them achieve the best possible outcomes.
Mallory Potter has been The Denturist Association of Canada’s Executive Director since 2011. She graduated from the Administration Medical and Legal Program with Distinction from St. Lawrence College in Kingston in 2010. She currently lives in Shannonville, Ontario, with her husband Michael and their 6-year-old son Mason. Mallory is passionate about the profession and ensuring all members feel supported and have their questions answered.
Pam Rehm is a Registered Dental Technologist with over a decade of experience in removable workflows. Since 2014, she has been at the forefront of digital removables workflows, starting with designing full arch implant bars and restorations. Her commitment to advancing dental technology is evident in her previous contributions to local denturist study groups and her extensive lecturing and training across North America. Pam now works with Argen Canada and specializes in integrating digital manufacturing workflows with clinical and patient workflows, creating optimized and seamless denture clinics transitioning from analog methods.
Mr. Eugene Royzengurt has been working in the dental industry since 1996. Mr. Royzengurt’s education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Denturism from American Denturist College, and certifications in Dental Assisting and Radiology. He has published several peer review articles on the subject of Removable and Implant Supported Prosthetics and currently lectures in the United States and internationally. Gene and his family currently reside in Sandy, Utah where he owns and operates Apple Dental Laboratory, is an adjunct faculty instructor for American Denturist College and is a consulting Denturist and patient advocate for University of Utah General Practice Residency.
Mr. Eugene Royzengurt has been working in the dental industry since 1996. Mr. Royzengurt’s education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Denturism from American Denturist College, and certifications in Dental Assisting and Radiology. He has published several peer review articles on the subject of Removable and Implant Supported Prosthetics and currently lectures in the United States and internationally. Gene and his family currently reside in Sandy, Utah where he owns and operates Apple Dental Laboratory, is an adjunct faculty instructor for American Denturist College and is a consulting Denturist and patient advocate for University of Utah General Practice Residency.
Dr. Susoeff is a general dentist from Edmonton Alberta whose practice is limited to surgery and dental implants serving mostly the Denturist community across northern Alberta.
Dr. Susoeff has integrated his practice with his referral base and has unique insights into the development of robust implant restorative procedures within Denturists offices. His prime motivation is to improve profitability within his partners practices and to partner in easy, fun, and economically viable implant restorative cases.
Will Varda is the owner of Anvarda Dental Services in North Vancouver, BC, Canada. A second generation lab tech, he grew up with a lab down the hallway from his childhood bedroom. Traditionally trained as a ceramist, he has spent the last decade deep diving into everything digital. You can find him on any one of dozens of digital dentistry facebook groups, or lecturing for 3shape in Chicago or at the PDC. He is the president of the Dental Technician Association of BC, and loves learning and sharing ideas with techs around the world. Sometimes, he even makes teeth.
Jonathan Verroche is a native of Niagara, raised in the beautiful town of Fonthill. His diversity and involvement in the practice has been an asset in growing the Verroche Denture Clinic for the past fifteen years. He graduated from George Brown College with honours and is an active member of the Denturist Association of Ontario and Canada. Jonathan believes strongly in continuing education and enjoys staying current with the latest technology and protocols which allows him to practice a wide variety of procedures, specializing in Full Arch rehabilitation and Digital workflows.
