Our   Team

It takes a knowledgeable, well trained and caring dental team to provide quality, individualized care. You will find the Nielsen Team dedicated to maintaining optimum oral health. If at any time you have concerns or questions please to not hesitate to ask any one of us for more information or clarification. We're here for you!


Dr.   Doug Nielsen

Graduated in 1972 from UBC Dental School and opened the Steveston practice the following year. Throughout his many years in Steveston Doug has continued to pursue higher learning, participating in a variety of programs that he feels will improve patient care and perfect his expertise so as to increase patient comfort and expand the services offered. He has participated in crown and bridge programs, orthodontic workshops, endodontic, implant and practice management study clubs. He and Michele are now using the very latest technology in the Cerec Program; the world's only system for the fabrication of all ceramic dental restorations in one office visit. Doug is enthusiastic about exploring new ideas and his passion for dentistry is evident in every aspect of his life.

Dr. Doug is the past president and director of the Vancouver and District Dental Society. On May 29th 2008 Dr. Doug was honoured to be selected for a Fellowship in the American College of Dentists. Selection to Fellowship reflects one's exceptional leadership, achievements, and involvement in the dental profession and in the community. It also recognizes one's ability to offer new insights and directions for dentistry and oral health.

Dr. Doug joins an elite group of colleagues who have been nominated by Fellows and reviewed by a distinguished committee. In British Columbia there are over 3000 dentists and only 108 Fellowships have been awarded.

The A.C.D. was founded in 1920 and has been vital in identifying and responding to issues affecting dentistry, oral health, and society. Utilizing the knowledge and skills of its Fellows, the College is pursuing initiatives to expand leadership in the dental profession and address the many challenges ahead. The mission of the College is to advance excellence, ethics, professionalism and leadership in dentistry.

Dr. Doug is also involved in a variety of volunteer community and dental activities both locally and globally. His office has participated in the annual Community Health Day in Richmond where they provided free dentistry for our local residents in need. He has also contributed to the Alec Gunning "Save A Smile Program" for underprivileged children throughout B.C. Dr. Doug and his wife, Susan and staff have made many dental mission trips to Guatemala and Nicaragua, providing dental care in orphanages and village schools. The Nielsens are very proud to have established the first permanent dental clinic in San Juan la Laguna that provides dentistry free of charge to children in the Lake Atitlan region of Guatemala.

Doug has been instrumental in the formation of the Patterson Dental Mission Project, an organization that will provide supplies and equipment for future dental mission projects around the world. Dr. Doug's passion for giving back extends beyond dentistry. He is the Past President of the Rotary Club of Steveston for the 2008/09 term and very active as chair of the International Committee. Doug was involved with Richmond Girls' Softball as executive member, president and coach for 23 years, as a committee member for Softball B.C. and director of the Richmond Foundation.

Doug and his wife Susan's personal life revolves around family, compassion and caring for their community. They can be found biking, golfing, traveling and volunteering.

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Dr.   Michele Nielsen

received her dental degree from McGill University in 2001 and followed that with a dental residency at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal where she gained valuable experience treating patients with a variety of dental and medical conditions. She joined the Steveston practice with her dad, Doug Nielsen, in 2002. . From 2004 till 2006 Michele also managed to find time to continue studies with her alma mater in the area of Forensic Dentistry and spoke in 2006 on the topic of Bitemark Analysis at the American Academy of Forensic Science in Seattle.

Michele is a certified Invisalign provider and is trained and certified by The Pacific Training Institute for Facial Aesthetics to provide Facial Botox Cosmetic treatments. Michele is also trained in nitrous oxide sedation, which can make treatment more comfortable for the anxious patient. She is a member of the first ever Botox and facial rejuvenation study club and the Kaizen II Study Club; a Multidisciplinary Study Club focused on treatment planning. She has advanced her skills and training in the field of computerized dentistry using the CEREC milling system to design crowns so that patients can make fewer visits to the office and receive higher quality restorations.

Michele was recently awarded a scholarship with the California Center for Advanced Dental Studies (CCADS) where she will spend the next 18 months advancing her skills in the area of dental esthetics and smile makeovers.

Michele has taken art training in painting, drawing, photography, scrapbooking and card making which is reflected in her attention to detail and ability to see the whole smile while working on a single tooth. Symmetry, colour and design are important to this 'artist'. Outside of work Michele enjoys walking her dog, Maggie, along the dyke, spending time with her husband Chris, gardening and fitness activities such as walking the Sun Run, aquacise and aerobics class.

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Joanne, CDA


Is a long time Richmond resident and graduate from VCC Certified
Dental Assistant Program in 1989. She has been practicing with Doug since 1991. Outside of work Jo enjoys playing golf with friends,bowling and participating in the Sun Run for the past 3 years. Jo has also had the privilege of volunteering for dental missions in Central America for the last 3 years with Doug and his team, finding it a rewarding and life changing experience.
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Charlene, CDA


and busy mom to Christian and Ethan, is a native of the area - born in Vancouver and raised in Richmond. A key player on our dental team, she likes to unwind with friends and family, enjoys a good laugh, can always find time to shop and relaxes over a good coffee. Family and work aren't keeping her busy enough, she's also been teaching Royal Conservatory piano for the past 10 years!
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Jackie, RDH


has found her niche as a hygienist in the dental community, having previously been a dental therapist and dental assistant. With roots in Saskatchewan, British Columbia is now her home. When not taking care of patients in our hygiene department she can be found at the fitness center, biking, skiing or enjoying the great outdoors before unwinding at home with family.
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Sandy, RDH


is the other corner of your hygiene team. A former dental assistant, she has a strong background in all aspects of dentistry. A hygiene graduate of VCC, she now lives in Ladner where there's lots of space for her two dogs and one cat. A people person, she enjoys spending her free time surrounded by family and friends.
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Tracy, RDH


has developed an extensive dental background by working as a certified dental assistant in orthodontics and general dentistry. Now a hygienist she is furthering her dental hygiene education in the degree program at UBC. She intends to one day to give back and support her dental hygiene community by instructing in a dental program. Currently residing in White Rock she loves days at the beach with her family and great friends.
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Jacky, Treatment Coordinator


Jacky joined the practice in 2000 but has been in the dental field since 1989. Our front desk administrator, Jacky works with patients to coordinate major treatment, schedules appointments and deals with insurance. Jacky lives in Steveston with her husband and two boys, one who is off to university and one in grade 9. Jacky enjoys watching her son play hockey, gardening, walking her dog, travel and spending time with family and friends.

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Karen, Business Assistant


Karen joined us in 2002 and takes care of the day-to-day business at the front desk. Karen lives in Richmond with her husband and three children. In her spare time Karen enjoys watching her kids' sporting events, going to yoga, running and spending time with family and friends.

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Jo-Anne, Business Assistant


moved from England to Richmond 15 years ago, and now lives in Cloverdale with her husband and her two young children. She has a background in sales and reception. In between running her children to their sports and activities including soccer and swimming she enjoys reading, gardening, decorating, travelling and cooking. Jo-Anne joined our reception team in October 2007 and will be the face you see on Saturdays working with Dr. Michele (8-2:30).
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