About Us
Education
After earning my Honours Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology and Physiology from the University of Western in 1981, I continued my studies at Western and earned my doctorate from the School of Dentistry in 1989. From there I completed an Advanced General Dentistry (AGD) residency at the United States Dental Activity in Fort Knox, KY. Becoming Board Certified in 1993 as an Advanced General Dentist with the Federal Services Board of General Dentistry and the American Board of General Dentistry gave me the skills and expertise necessary to complete a successful 26-year military career with the Royal Canadian Dental Corps (RCDC).
Military Career
Because the RCDC supports our military personnel both at home in garrisons and while deployed overseas, having the knowledge and skills obtained during my AGD residency was invaluable. Bridging the gap between general dentists and specialists is vital to our Armed Forces serving in remote or war-torn areas. I was honoured to use this understanding of advanced treatment options to keep these brave men and women free from pain and dental issues while serving their tours. As I anticipated my RCDC retirement in 2003, my goal became to offer these same services as a civilian, and I opened West Ridge Family Dentistry in Orillia in 2003.
West Ridge Family Dentistry
My long-held belief in a comprehensive approach to dental care has carried into my dental practice today. From an in-depth oral health examination to diagnosis and treatment planning, my focus is on giving your family coordinated treatment that meets all of your needs. You could think of me as a quarterback for your care, ensuring that all services, including sedation or general anaesthesia, meet your needs and desires for a happy, healthy smile, and meet my standards for your oral healthcare delivery.
Away from the practice, I enjoy playing the trumpet in community bands, long-distance running, and SCUBA.
Education
While I was working as a researcher in the Department of Dentistry at McGill University, I realized that I wanted to be involved in day-to-day opportunities to help people directly, so I enrolled in the dentistry program and earned my doctorate in 2013. From there I completed a General Practice Residency at Sunnybrook Hospital through the University of Toronto, where I gained valuable experience working with a of variety patients and dental concerns in a hospital setting.
Practice Philosophy
Knowing that dental health and overall health are so closely connected, I take a comprehensive approach to dentistry. This includes ensuring your teeth and gums are healthy and that they support your ability to eat the healthy nutritious foods you need to enjoy overall well-being. Nothing makes me quite as happy as seeing a patient gain confidence in their health – and their smile.
Home Life
Away from the practice I spend much of my time with my fiancé Dave. My commitment to your health transfers to my own life too, where I spend time weight lifting and kickboxing. When time permits, I also love to travel, and take great enjoyment from immersing myself in the Marvel Universe when I have time for a movie.
Education & Teaching
Growing up in Sudbury, I knew I wanted a career where I could build strong professional relationships with a wide variety of people, while also helping others live a healthier life. Dentistry fits that bill, so I attended the University of Toronto, where I earned my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree before continuing my education in their rigorous three-year Prosthodontics specialty program and I received my board certification in 1975. From 1971 – 1986, I was honoured to serve with the Canadian Armed Forces (Base Borden) Dental Services. I loved the area so much that after my discharge I bought a farm and stayed!
Practice Focus
The dental specialty of Prosthodontics focuses on restoring natural teeth or replacing missing teeth. I can also, depending on your individual needs and how long you have suffered with tooth loss, replace missing bone and tissue that would otherwise make tooth replacement difficult. There are many ways I can repair or replace your teeth – from crown and bridge treatment to replacing one or even all of your teeth with dental implants or implant-supported dentures. But one thing is consistent with every treatment I perform – the great satisfaction and joy I feel when I see a happy patient grinning with a newly restored smile. Knowing I have helped someone who, for whatever reason, couldn’t chew their food and regain that basic human need is my favourite part of dentistry.
Away From Dentistry
When not helping people eat the healthy, delicious foods that supports their overall health and confidence, I enjoy catching up with my two children who are living busy and successful lives of their own. My wife, June and I have recently celebrated 45 years of marriage and we enjoy being active in our church – I’ve been a teacher and deacon for 37 years. To unwind and stay active, I enjoy boating in the summer and skiing in the winter – you may even see me on the slopes at Mt. St. Louis/Moonstone! I’m also a private pilot and have enjoyed ownership of many small planes over the past 30 years.
Education & Teaching
Most of my family members are dentists, so that was a significant influence on me when it came time to choose my career. I’m so relieved I made this decision as it’s the perfect profession… I get a wonderful feeling when my patients are happy after their treatments and I am so honored that I can experience this wonderful reward every single day.
Practice Focus
It’s important that my patients feel confident with their care, and that is why my focus is effective, professional dentistry that keeps you comfortable and happy. I enjoy providing all aspects of dentistry, but if I had to pick my favorites, they would be cosmetic dentistry, root canal treatments, and surgeries.
Away From Dentistry
My wife Morvarid and I chose to live and work in our community for its beauty and its peacefulness … and the fact that the people are lovely. When not providing dental care, I enjoy going to the gym, playing basketball and soccer, and I love hiking, skiing, and playing the piano.
Education & Teaching
After earning my BA in Economics, I realized that my true passion came from helping others, so I returned to school and graduated from the George Brown College School of Dental Health Denturism Program with honours in 2005. Because I have a special interest in the area of using dental implants to secure dentures, I returned to George Brown as an instructor, specifically teaching clinical aspects of denturism placement in implant cases.
Practice Philosophy
When you are missing several or all of your teeth, your quality of life will inevitably suffer. My first goal for your care is to get you back to chewing your food comfortably and speaking with ease after assessing your health history and designing a treatment plan that suits your personal needs. What I particularly like about being a denturist in Orillia is this ability to create an experience that results with you feeling not only that your dentures are functioning the way you want them to but that they also help you smile and speak with confidence.
Personal Life
When not helping people fall in love with their smiles again, I enjoy activities and camping with my wife and two sons. My active lifestyle includes playing tennis, mountain biking, and skiing.
Meet Our Team
I’ve been with West Ridge Family Dentistry since 2005, combining my Level ll Dental Assisting certificate from Georgian College and my Health Administration diploma from Conestoga College. While I do love the administrative part of my job, I take my greatest joy every day from meeting new people and helping each of our patients feel as comfortable as possible during their treatments.
Away from the practice I enjoy travelling with my husband, scuba diving, baking, and cake decorating. I also remain actively involved with the Dental Advisory Committee at Georgian College.
I’ve been working with the amazing team at West Ridge Family Dentistry since 2013 and I love that I have the opportunity to interact with so many fantastic patients! My focus is on ensuring that your experience with us is positive and educational, and I am thrilled with any opportunities to answer your questions about any of your treatment options. I’m also certified to help with tobacco cessation to support your dedication to excellent oral – and overall – health.
Away from the practice, I enjoy spending time with my husband Andy, who is the reason I moved here from Sydney, NS. We have two crazy Bengal cats named Indy and Rossi who are a joy to be around. In my free time, I enjoy cycling, playing piano and singing, and tutoring French and math.
After being a dental assistant, I decided that I wanted a more active role in preventing dental diseases, rather than treating them, so went back to school and earned my Dental Hygienist credentials in 2005, the same year I joined the team at West Ridge. I love the multi-disciplinary approach and the many ways we help educate our patients about prevention and treat any issues that do occur – especially because our patients are often the same people I’ve grown up with here in Orillia.
Away from the practice I enjoy motorcycles, hiking, camping, being on the water in a canoe or kayak, and working out at the gym. I one day hope to see all of Canada and recently ticked off a trip to the Arctic Circle from my bucket list!
I’ve been working with the team at West Ridge Family Dentistry since 2014 and most enjoy helping my patients see the connection between their oral health and their overall health. Since earning my dental hygiene credentials from Georgian College in 2014, my dental healthcare philosophy has remained the same: get informed, make decisions, and stay on track. I love that my job as a hygienist lets me not only inform my patients at how they can improve their oral health, but to also help them stay on track after making the decision to make changes.
Away from the practice, I enjoy water sports in the summer and skiing in the winter.
You could call me a bit of a fixture at West Ridge Family Dentistry – I’ve been working alongside Dr. Collins since he opened the practice in 2003! As a dental assistant my chief concern is to help you feel comfortable throughout your appointments, and I particularly enjoy assisting surgical procedures. I love the variety of working on different types of cases every day – from basic restorations to root canals and wisdom teeth removal. It certainly keeps things interesting!
When not assisting at the practice, I enjoy spending time with my family and volunteering with Scouts Canada.
I’ve been working with West Ridge Family Dentistry as a dental assistant since 2017. With my Dental Assisting diploma and HARP certification, you can find me assisting chairside and taking your dental x-rays – they’re more comfortable and convenient than ever! With my focus on ensuring you feel well cared for and understand every aspect of my care, I’m here to answer any questions you may have so that you feel well informed and at ease throughout your visits.
Away from the practice, my partner and I have a son and we’re thrilled to have gotten out of the busy city. It’s my dream to one day own a hobby farm, so rural living is definitely the right choice for us!
Mine is one of the smiling faces you see when you visit Dr. Collins and Dr. Piercy. As a dental assistant, my main focus is on ensuring you are at ease throughout your visits, so if there is anything I can do to assist you with your care, do let me know. I love getting to know new people and helping you feel good about your smile.
Away from West Ridge Family Dentistry, where I’ve been helping people smile since 2016, I enjoy running, cooking, and travelling, as well as spending time with my dog Chloe.
Making sure you feel welcome and at ease at every visit is my first priority when you visit West Ridge Family Dentistry, and I’ve been doing it with a smile on my face since 2015! I love people and when I can help someone feel at ease who may be nervous or in pain is one of the most fulfilling aspect of my job. I also have a dental hygiene diploma and a Bachelor of Adult Education, so if there are any dental questions you have, please do ask me!
I grew up in Mississauga and have quite enjoyed calling Barrie home since 2005 where I am closer to the ski hills and beautiful Georgian Bay for sailing. In my spare time, I am working towards my black belt in taekwondo and enjoy spending time with my partner Phil, my daughter Meghan, and our Himalayan cat, Bella.
As an Intake Specialist since 2014, I owe most of my dental education to my father, Dr. Collins. His passion for what he does and overall happiness about helping people made me want to do the same! When I’m not at West Ridge Family Dentistry helping our family of patients access the care they want and need, I’m a volunteer firefighter and am working on my Criminology degree. When I do have some free time, I love to spend it with my boyfriend Alex, who is an amazing iron worker. I stay fit by working out and access my creative side by playing piano, dancing, and singing in the car.
Meet Our Team
Sarah, Office Manager / Certified Level II Dental Assistant
I’ve been with West Ridge Family Dentistry since 2005, combining my Level ll Dental Assisting certificate from Georgian College and my Health Administration diploma from Conestoga College. While I do love the administrative part of my job, I take my greatest joy every day from meeting new people and helping each of our patients feel as comfortable as possible during their treatments.
Away from the practice I enjoy travelling with my husband, scuba diving, baking, and cake decorating. I also remain actively involved with the Dental Advisory Committee at Georgian College.
Erin, Treatment Coordinator/Administrative Manager
I’ve been working with the amazing team at West Ridge Family Dentistry since 2013 and I love that I have the opportunity to interact with so many fantastic patients! My focus is on ensuring that your experience with us is positive and educational, and I am thrilled with any opportunities to answer your questions about any of your treatment options. I’m also certified to help with tobacco cessation to support your dedication to excellent oral – and overall – health.
Away from the practice, I enjoy spending time with my husband Andy, who is the reason I moved here from Sydney, NS. We have two crazy Bengal cats named Indy and Rossi who are a joy to be around. In my free time, I enjoy cycling, playing piano and singing, and tutoring French and math.
Roger, Chief Registered Dental Hygienist
After being a dental assistant, I decided that I wanted a more active role in preventing dental diseases, rather than treating them, so went back to school and earned my Dental Hygienist credentials in 2005, the same year I joined the team at West Ridge. I love the multi-disciplinary approach and the many ways we help educate our patients about prevention and treat any issues that do occur – especially because our patients are often the same people I’ve grown up with here in Orillia.
Away from the practice I enjoy motorcycles, hiking, camping, being on the water in a canoe or kayak, and working out at the gym. I one day hope to see all of Canada and recently ticked off a trip to the Arctic Circle from my bucket list!
Kristen, Registered Dental Hygienist
I’ve been working with the team at West Ridge Family Dentistry since 2014 and most enjoy helping my patients see the connection between their oral health and their overall health. Since earning my dental hygiene credentials from Georgian College in 2014, my dental healthcare philosophy has remained the same: get informed, make decisions, and stay on track. I love that my job as a hygienist lets me not only inform my patients at how they can improve their oral health, but to also help them stay on track after making the decision to make changes.
Away from the practice, I enjoy water sports in the summer and skiing in the winter.
Leann, Dental Certified Level II Assistant
You could call me a bit of a fixture at West Ridge Family Dentistry – I’ve been working alongside Dr. Collins since he opened the practice in 2003! As a dental assistant my chief concern is to help you feel comfortable throughout your appointments, and I particularly enjoy assisting surgical procedures. I love the variety of working on different types of cases every day – from basic restorations to root canals and wisdom teeth removal. It certainly keeps things interesting!
When not assisting at the practice, I enjoy spending time with my family and volunteering with Scouts Canada.
Lynette, Dental Certified Level II Assistant
I’ve been working with West Ridge Family Dentistry as a dental assistant since 2017. With my Dental Assisting diploma and HARP certification, you can find me assisting chairside and taking your dental x-rays – they’re more comfortable and convenient than ever! With my focus on ensuring you feel well cared for and understand every aspect of my care, I’m here to answer any questions you may have so that you feel well informed and at ease throughout your visits.
Away from the practice, my partner and I have a son and we’re thrilled to have gotten out of the busy city. It’s my dream to one day own a hobby farm, so rural living is definitely the right choice for us!
Jessica, Dental Certified Level II Assistant
Mine is one of the smiling faces you see when you visit Dr. Collins and Dr. Piercy. As a dental assistant, my main focus is on ensuring you are at ease throughout your visits, so if there is anything I can do to assist you with your care, do let me know. I love getting to know new people and helping you feel good about your smile.
Away from West Ridge Family Dentistry, where I’ve been helping people smile since 2016, I enjoy running, cooking, and travelling, as well as spending time with my dog Chloe.
Lisanne, Intake Specialist
Making sure you feel welcome and at ease at every visit is my first priority when you visit West Ridge Family Dentistry, and I’ve been doing it with a smile on my face since 2015! I love people and when I can help someone feel at ease who may be nervous or in pain is one of the most fulfilling aspect of my job. I also have a dental hygiene diploma and a Bachelor of Adult Education, so if there are any dental questions you have, please do ask me!
I grew up in Mississauga and have quite enjoyed calling Barrie home since 2005 where I am closer to the ski hills and beautiful Georgian Bay for sailing. In my spare time, I am working towards my black belt in taekwondo and enjoy spending time with my partner Phil, my daughter Meghan, and our Himalayan cat, Bella.
Emily, Intake Specialist
As an Intake Specialist since 2014, I owe most of my dental education to my father, Dr. Collins. His passion for what he does and overall happiness about helping people made me want to do the same! When I’m not at West Ridge Family Dentistry helping our family of patients access the care they want and need, I’m a volunteer firefighter and am working on my Criminology degree.
When I do have some free time, I love to spend it with my boyfriend Alex, who is an amazing iron worker. I stay fit by working out and access my creative side by playing piano, dancing, and singing in the car.