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 and Financial 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 puzzle and Bocce.

DEANNA GIONET
REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT
Deanna has completed Dental Assisting training from NSIT and graduated with honors in 1999.  Since then she has worked in the dental field for 8 years, starting out in general dentistry and now enjoys working within the scope of orthodontics, TMJ and sleep apnea. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Science at Dalhousie University and is planning to graduate in May 2008 with a major in Biology.  Deanna has also worked at Dalhousie University in the Pharmacy department doing drug metabolism research for a term position. Deanna constantly thrives to learn the latest knowledge and techniques and takes pride in her career - “I really enjoy dealing with patients and helping them feel better”.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her 2 children, coaching figure skating, step dancing, music, reading and interior decorating.

DEBORAH 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 for the past 7.  She joined our team four years ago and is excited to provide our patients with the latest in orthodontic technology.  Deborah is a soccer mom and in her leisure time enjoys biking, working out at the gym and spending time with her two children.

DEBORAH PIKE
REGISTERED DENTAL 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 for Prosthodontics, bringing 15 years of experience in her field.  She is a member in good standing with both the provincial and national Certified Dental Assistants Associations and has been nationally certified since 1996.  Deborah (Deb, as Dr. Thompson prefers) enjoying treating 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, runs/walks and yoga.  She has two wonderful adult children who reside in Vancouver and a rather 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
CERTIFIED NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPIST
Kim is a graduate of Northumberland College's Massage Therapy Program and has been practicing massage therapy for 7 years including formal training in the field.  Kim has successfully completed studies and examinations to become a Certified Neuromuscular Therapist and is presently working towards a Bachelor of Science in Human Science.  Kim has special interest in pain management and treating chronic pain conditions including headaches, migraines, TMJ dysfunction and fibromyalgia. Her unique integration of treatment modalities provides optimum therapeutic benefit and she has considerable success in treating cases that previously have proven to be resistant to other approaches.

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 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.  On the technical side, Lynn found her passion in orthodontics and enjoys the challenges and diverse duties she performs. She takes pride in her work and does the best to ensure that every patients experience is a good one and that they receive excellent care.

MEL WILSON
SCHEDULING COORDINATOR
Mel, our newest staff member joined our team in January 2009, covering for a maternity leave.  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 (you’ll notice he had braces by Dr. Thompson as well!)!

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.