Jackie Cathcart-MacInnis RDA

"In 1981 we had to choose an “ambition,” for our graduation yearbook in high school.  My best friend decided to put “Dental Assisting,” for her ambition.  I thought that that looked good so I put “Dental Assisting,” as my ambition also.  At the time, I had no idea of what a Dental Assistant did!

In 1982 we both graduated from N.S.T.I. with our Dental Assisting Diplomas.   It was definitely what I was destined to do!   I have been working steadily for the past twenty-four years.  Twenty-one of these years have been with Dr. Claener and I love every minute of it!

I look forward to going to work every day, facing new challenges and meeting new people.  Without doubt the best part of my work is the joy on a patients face when they look in the mirror for the first time at the beautiful smile we have given them.  Also when extremely nervous patients get along so well that they ask to come back.

It is a wonderful feeling to know that you can make a difference in someone’s life."

Rose MacKinnon

"I devoted myself to being a stay at home mom for my child’s first 10 years. He began to discover his independence so I felt it was time to see what the workforce had to offer. While upgrading my skills my attention focused on dental office management. This, combined with the love of working with numbers, led me to the office of Dr. Joseph Claener Dentistry Inc. That was eleven years ago. Needless to say I am still here, working along side very interesting people who teach me on a daily basis. Added to this I have the opportunity to interact with the public."

Theresa White  RDA

Andrea Matheson RDA

"After attending U.C.C.B. for two years, I moved to Toronto to work for a Chartered Accountant.  While there, I became intrigued by the opportunities for Dental Assistants.  Curious about this career, every visit with my dentist allowed me the chance to gain more information.  I applied to the Dental Assisting Program, graduated and was very pleased to have found a position in Sydney,.  I have been a Dental Assistant for the past five years and I am thankful for the experience I have gained by working at the Dental Health Centre where Dr. Claener and the team work with the most up to date technology."

Sandra MacDonald RDA

"At the age of sixteen, while still attending high school, I was very lucky to obtain a part-time job performing cleaning duties at a dental practice in Glace Bay, N.S.  I was even more fortunate when Dr. Phillip Simon asked me to fill in for summer vacations as his Dental Assistant.  I was very excited, but also very nervous, for I had no formal training in this field.  However, I accepted the challenge without hesitation because I knew this is what I wanted to do.  I was able to learn the duties very quickly – I attribute this to the fact that I found the work to be interesting, and enjoyable, but most of all rewarding.  It is a great feeling to help put a smile on a patient’s face.

 I graduated from high school in 1981, and continued to work with Dr. Simon on an as needed basis.  In September of 1982, I was hired as a full-time Dental Assistant by a new dental practice opening in Glace Bay.  In 1987, new laws were implemented that brought about major changes for practicing Dental Assistants – in order to perform intraoral duties all dental assistants had to be registered and licensed.  I was now faced with a major decision, “Do I go back to college to become a registered Dental Assistant or leave the profession?”  The choice for me was very easy; I loved the work so much I was willing to do what was necessary to obtain the required credential.  Fortunately, I was able to enroll in a three-year correspondence program offered by the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), which allowed me to continue working at the same time.

 The courses required a lot of discipline, determination and commitment, on my part.  However, it was well worth the effort as I received my “Certificate in Dental Assisting” in 1990.  Then in October of the same year, I successfully completed the requirements of the Provincial Dental Board of Nova Scotia and received my “Certificate of License as a Dental Assistant”.

I currently work at the Dental Health Centre in Sydney,     N.S.  After being in this profession for over 27 years, I still enjoy the work immensely.  Over the years, many changes have taken place in the field of dentistry, however I am very fortunate to work for a practice (Dental Health Centre) that incorporates the latest technologies into its daily functions.  State of the art equipment, an exceptional oral hygiene program (of which I am proud to play a significant role), combined with the requirement for continuing education, makes the Dental Health Centre a rewarding place to work."

Ann MacAdam RDH

"My first introduction to the world of dentistry was as a child at the dental office, my teeth being polished by the dental hygienist.  She explained all procedures in simple terms that I could easily understand.  I had great admiration for her calm reassuring manner and ability to make me feel comfortable.

My interest in this health field peeked when as an adolescent I experienced Orthodontics (braces).  I marveled at the “before and after photos,” of patients, amazed the final results.  As an adult, I continue to be fascinated and impressed with the progress Dentistry has made and enjoy being part of the dedicated, professional team at the Dental Health Centre."

Dale O’Day DD

"At a young age I had very good dexterity when working with my hands.  I enjoyed creating items from wood and sheet metal.  When I was in my teens my parents worked for a local Denturist.  It happened that this Denturist needed extra help and I began on the job training shortly after.

I had been training regularly in Tae Kwon Do as well.  I believe this discipline gave me the patience, control and concentration required to learn this new skill.

After a number of years of formal training in the United States and Canada, I took the Board examination and became the youngest Denturist in Canada.

In the 1970’s, the Canadian Government recognized Denturists as professionals.  I was there as part of this first group.

Thirty years later, I still love what I do.  I’m constantly working with new materials and techniques.  The advance in technology as well as working with a team committed to professional excellence has enabled me to provide our clients with a wide scope of cosmetic and restorative alternatives."

Dr. Joseph Claener, DDS

Dr. Claener was an undergraduate at St. Francis Xavier University. He attended graduate school at McGill University, graduating in 1965.  He started his private practice and also was on staff in Reddy Memorial Hospital for two years. For the next six years, he taught at McGill Dental School part time.

"My father is a Dentist and he used to let me watch him doing laboratory work when I was a little boy.  I also enjoyed listening to his conversations with other Dentists.  From an early age I wanted to be part of that world.
Now that I am a Dentist I have found the world of dentistry to be even more fascinating then I had ever imagined.

The dental landscape is ever shifting, tugged in many directions by innovative people full of new ideas and new technologies.  It is exciting to be a part of that world.

Continuing education is a way of life and after four decades I still look forward to my next course and my next new piece of equipment."