Our Team

The provision of quality dental care is a team effort and our staff is highly trained (many with university degrees) and undergo constant in-house and external upgrading and continuing education. This includes our assistants, hygienists, technicians and administrative staff.

We and our patients expect, deserve and receive the best possible service from our superlative staff.

LESLEY BLEIL
TREATMENT COORDINATOR
Lesley worked with Dr. Thompson for several years starting in 1977 in his general practice. Once returning to practice following his specialty training, Dr. Thompson invited Lesley to work with him once again on Birmingham Street. She is currently our Treatment Coordinator and spends a large part of her day providing patients (and their parents) with the information they need regarding treatment, fees, payment plans and insurance coverage. She is a graduate of Sacred Heart School and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University. In her spare time she plays Backgammon to win and is hooked on Sudoku puzzles and Bocce.

SHELLY BRUCE
ACCOUNTS MANAGER
Shelley graduated from Dental Assisting Program at NSCC in 1988. Over the years, she has continued her career in various aspects of the dental office working for general dentists and specialists in Periodontology and Oral Pathology. Since 1991, she has gradually moved into administrative positions working as a receptionist and office manager. She started working as Dr. Thompson's account manager in 2006. Shelley also has a streak of adventure, which has allowed herself, James (her spouse) and Adam (her stepson) to set out on their Cabot 36 sailboat "Archelon" on a 13-month trip across the Atlantic Ocean exploring the Azores, Portugal, Spain, Madeira, the Canaries and most of the Caribbean Islands. In her spare time, Shelley especially enjoys cooking, entertaining and reading.

DEANNA GIONET
REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT
Deanna graduated from NSIT with honors as a Registered Dental Assistant (1999) and graduated from Dalhousie University with her Bachelor of Science (2009) with a major in Biology. Deanna started out in general dentistry and now enjoys working within the scope of a specialty office treating TMD, sleep apnea and orthodontics. Deanna has acquired specialized training in sleep apnea by attending some of the top ranked educational seminars in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, Deanna has lectured to many professionals in Canada to build awareness of sleep apnea and to help professionals incorporate this area of dentistry into their practice. Deanna strives to learn the latest knowledge and techniques and takes pride in her career, "We have been able to help wonderful people improve their overall health and confidence". In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, figure skating, step dancing, music and reading.

DEBBIE HUTCHINSON
REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST
Deborah graduated from the Dental Hygiene Program at Dalhousie University in 1985. She worked in general practice for 15 years and has specialized in orthodontics since 2000. She joined our team in 2003 and is excited to provide our patients with the latest in orthodontic technology. In her leisure time, she enjoys biking, kayaking and spending time with her two children.

LEAH OAKLEY
REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST
Leah is the newest member of the ortho team having completed the Dental Hygiene program at Dalhousie University in May 2010. Prior to entering the dental profession, she completed a dual degree (BA/BSc) at Saint Mary's University, after which she worked abroad teaching English in Korea. Leah also earned a diploma in esthetics and is currently a licensed esthetician. Her interest in esthetics and her attention to detail have led her in the direction of orthodontics. In her leisure time, Leah enjoys travelling and staying active.

DEBORAH PIKE
REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT / ESTHETICS ASSISTANT
Deborah joined Dr. Thompson's team in July 2004. She relocated from BC, where she graduated from Vancouver Community College in Dental Assisting, as well as the College of New Caledonia in Prince George in Prince George for Prosthodontics. She is a member in good standing with both the provincial and national Certified Dental Assistants Association and holds a National Board Certificate as well. Deborah treats her patients with friendly, quality care, while helping her team run smoothly. She plans to further her career and may look into teaching as well. In her spare time, Deborah enjoys keeping active with hiking, the gym, and yoga. She has two adult children and a large family that mostly live on the east coast. "I love to travel and spend time with my family, so living in Halifax, helps me do both! It's great!"

KIM TANNER
REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST
Kim graduated from Northumberland College's Massage Therapy Program in 2004 and went on to successfully complete studies to become a Certified Neuromuscular Therapist in the United States in 2005. Kim has special interest in chronic pain management of the upper 1/4 body and has extensive experience in the treatment of headaches, head pain, TMJ dysfunction, and neck pain. She developed an interest in the field of massage therapy after receiving treatment from a variety of healthcare professionals with little result. Her own healthcare experiences taught her that the key to results is unique and individualized care, not necessarily exact textbook treatment protocol. Kim has had considerable success in treating chronic pain that previously has been resistant to other approaches and she enjoys the challenge of seeking out the true cause of your pain to help you improve your quality of life.

LYNN WILSON
REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST
Lynn has been working with Dr. Thompson since she graduated from the Dental Hygiene Program at Dalhousie University in 2001. Previously, she was a Registered Dental Assistant (NSIT) with 15 years experience; 3 of which were spent in a dental office in Germany. Although she is not as proficient in speaking German as she once was, she still likes to practice when the opportunity arises. Lynn found her passion in orthodontics and enjoys the challenges and diverse duties it entails. She takes pride in her work and does the best to ensure that every patient receives excellent care and personalized attention. No matter how big or small your concern, she's always happy to address it. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, biking, and spending time with her son. She like the beach in the summer, and skiing in the winter, wherever that may be.

MEL WILSON
SCHEDULING COORDINATOR / ESTHETICS TREATMENT COORDINATOR
Mel joined our team in January 2009. Born and raised in Prince George, British Columbia, Mel spent a few years living in Vancouver and Calgary where he was employed in the banking industry for 14 years. The move to the city of Halifax, a place he is proud to call home, has been an amazing and incredible life change for him. In his leisure time, Mel enjoys spending time with friends, his pets and going to the gym. Mel will always find a way to get you an appointment and will do so with a big smile (he's had braces by and Botox by Dr. Thompson as well!)!