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The Rotary Four-Way Test

Of the things we think, Say, or Do

  • Is it the TRUTH?

  • Is it FAIR to all concerned?

  • Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

  • Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
 

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 he 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 also active in organized dentistry as president and director of the Vancouver and District Dental Society. 

On May 29th 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 will join 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, he 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.

He is also involved in a variety of volunteer community and dental activities both locally and globally.  Dr. Nielsen’s 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 trips to Guatemala and Nicaragua with “Dentistry with Heart”, providing dental care in orphanages and village schools. 

Dr. Doug’s passion for giving back extends beyond dentistry.  He is very active in the Steveston Rotary, heading the International Committee.  He is the incoming President of the Rotary Club of Steveston for the 2008/09 term.  Doug has been 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. 

 

Back to topDr. 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. Michele is currently a part-time dental faculty member at UBC, providing instruction to the third year dental students. 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 Vancouver Gold and Porcelain Study Club and Kaizen II Study Club; a Multidisciplinary Study Club focused on treatment planning. She is currently advancing 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 has 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 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.

 
 
         
 

 

Back to topJanet, CDA

has been an assistant for 30 years, 15 of those with this practice. Originally working with Doug Nielsen, she now works mostly with Michele. During her time at the practice she has taken on the identity as the ‘tooth nurse’.  A real people person, she will quickly put you at ease and is especially good with children. Previous to coming to this office she worked in a pediatric office and hospital practice.  A self-starter, Janet is always busy, but always has time to address your concerns.

 

Back to topJoanne, CDA

is a long time resident of Richmond and graduated from the VCC Assisting program in ’89. She has been practicing with Doug for 15 years. She thrives on the social aspects of dentistry – the one-on-one with the patients. Clinically she has taken special orthodontic and prosthodontic training modules to enhance her skill with respect to assisting the dentists with braces and preparing temporaries for crowns and bridges.

 

Back to topCharlene, 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!

 

Back to topJackie, 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.

 

Back to topSandy, 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.

 

Back to topJacky, Treatment Coordinator

joined the practice in 2000, but has been in the dental field since 1989. Our front desk administrator, Jacky works with patients to coordinate treatment and sort out insurance issues. She’s the one to talk to about changes in insurance information, scheduling major work and establishing payment plans. If this wife and mother of two boys has any free time between the boys’ sporting events she tries to fit in photography, travel, trips to the gym and walking.

 

Back to topKaren, Business Assistant

joined us in March of 2002. Karen and Rossanne take care of the day-to-day business at the front desk. Scheduling the appointments, providing telephone reminders and sending your claims off to insurance. Karen lives in Richmond with her husband and three children. When she’s not busy taxiing them from one sporting event to another, she’s watching them play soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball and softball. As if that wasn’t enough to keep her active Karen joined the ‘Learn to Run’ program so you can expect to see her in the upcoming Sun Run! To relax, it’s yoga or the book that’s on her book club roster.

 

Back to topJo-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).