Meet The Team

Maria became a Registered Dental Hygienist in 2018 and received her diploma from the Canadian National Institute of Health during the previous year. Her passion for helping others and meeting new people led her to pursue this profession. Her aim is to make clients’ experience in a dental setting pleasant and enjoyable as well as share her knowledge in oral hygiene care so that clients can love their smiles more.

Currently, Maria is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences at Queen’s University. As a fitness enthusiast, Maria enjoys training and keeping an active lifestyle. Maria also loves trying different types of cuisines and learning about different cultures. In her spare time, Maria likes going for runs throughout the city and spending time with friends and family.

Anane is originally from Ethiopia and grew up in Norway. She studied Dental Assisting at Oslo Treider College and graduated in 2015. Anane moved to Canada in August 2018 and began working at The Downtown Dental Clinic. She is a very kind and helpful person who enjoys interacting with our patients.

Volcan recently immigrated from Afghanistan to Canada. She is a graduate of the Faculty of Stomatology in Kabul, class of 2021. She also completed a Dental Radiography certificate course from Willis College, Ottawa. With a wealth of experience in the dental field, she plays a crucial role in ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care during their visit.

Outside of dentistry, she enjoys cycling around Ottawa and exploring new locations for yummy food. Reading books before bedtime is always a must-do for her. 

Saima is originally from India where she graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of KIMS, School of Dental Sciences in 2019. Since then, she has gained experience in the dental field by volunteering and working in India as well as in Canada. She is a HARP-certified Personel from Willis College, Ottawa. Saima has a meticulous approach towards her work with her skills, as well as a calm and reassuring demeanour that instantly puts her patients at ease. 

Saima has a passion for learning and growing further in the field of dentistry and providing the utmost care to the patient in four different languages: English, Urdu, Hindi, and Marathi. 

Beyond her dental profession, Saima is passionate about exploring new places, soccer, swimming, and DIY projects and loves to spend time with her loved ones. 

Soodeh holds a master’s degree in psychology and has extensive experience in the well-being and mental health field in Iran. Her career has been dedicated to understanding and supporting individuals, helping them navigate life’s challenges and improve their emotional well-being. Known for her ability to connect deeply with people, Soodeh makes those around her feel heard, valued, and understood. Her patience, empathy, and genuine kindness allow her to build lasting, trusting relationships both professionally and personally.

Outside of her professional life, Soodeh treasures time spent with her husband with enjoying hiking in nature and swimming. She also finds joy and inspiration through creative outlets such as playing the piano and painting, which help her unwind and express her artistic side.

Tamara grew up in Manotick and joined our team in 2024 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Rhode Island and brings over 27 years of experience in clinical dental hygiene. For 24 years, Tamara practiced in private dental clinics in Boston, MA, before returning to Ottawa, where she has continued her career for the past three years.

In addition to her clinical work, Tamara has shared her expertise as a part-time Clinical Dental Hygiene Instructor at the Canadian National Institute of Health in Ottawa. She is deeply passionate about helping her clients achieve and maintain healthy smiles, always striving to provide the highest standard of care.

When she’s not at work, Tamara enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. She is also an accomplished runner, having completed multiple marathons, including the renowned Boston Marathon four times.

Farinaz earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2001, followed by a Specialty in Pediatric Dentistry in 2005 from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran. For 18 years, she ran her own pediatric dentistry practice, specializing in oral rehabilitation for children under general anesthesia.

In 2023, she moved to Canada to support her sons’ education in Toronto and began the process of earning her dental equivalency through the National Dental Examining Board (NDEB). She successfully passed the first exam, the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK).

Committed to expanding her expertise, Farinaz earned Canadian certifications in dental assisting in 2024, including a HARP Certification in Dental Radiography from George Brown College and a Certificate in Radiographic Imaging from Columbia College. She is now a certified Level 2 dental assistant and a proud member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA).

With a deep passion for pediatric dentistry, Farinaz finds joy in working with children and creating positive dental experiences for them. Fluent in English and Farsi, she also enjoys reading, writing, Pilates, and traveling with her husband and three sons.