I was born in Belgium (a long, long time ago) and grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. While touring Europe after high school, I decided to stay and study in Belgrade. I graduated as a DDS in 1983 at the University of Belgrade faculty of Stomatology and gained my membership in the faculty of general dentists, Royal College of Surgeons (UK).
I spent one year as a dentist in the Air Force before returning to South Africa, where I worked for government dental services before opening a private practice in 1988 in Johannesburg. In 2006, I arrived in the Cayman Islands with my beautiful wife, Svetlana (Lana), and my two daughters, Pavla and Katarina, who are now both College students.
I was drawn to work at Smile Dental Clinic, because their philosophy on caring for patients matched what I was doing in South Africa. Smile Dental also had up-to-date technologies, sterilization and materials and the staff are knowledgeable, certified and compassionate.
I love my profession and have committed myself to a lifetime of learning as you can see with all my memberships and associations that I am a part of. I have also spread my knowledge by lecturing at courses and congresses in South Africa on High Tech in Dentistry and Smile Simulations. I also gave a talk on Oral cancer to the Cayman Island Cancer Society, I am skilled in all areas of dentistry, but my main interests are in Implantology and Esthetics.
When I’m not at Smile Dental Clinic, you’ll find me reading, watching movies, playing poker (for fun not money), golfing and watching sports (which I am too old to play now!).
My experience here has been exceptional and serving the people of the Cayman Islands has been a pleasure. I joined Rotary Sunrise Cayman Islands in 2007 and have been involved in a lot of community activities, fundraisers and International programs.
I was born in Nyborg, Denmark and moved with my family to Alberta, Canada at a very young age where I grew up and received my education. I attended the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology where I graduated from the Dental Assisting program in 1997.
In 2001, I moved to Grand Cayman where I began working at Smile Dental Clinic under ownership (then) of Dr. Larry Tharp and eventually worked for Dr. Bert Thacker, the present owner. I continued to work chairside assisting all doctors with patient care until late 2008.
In early 2009 I took on more responsibility in becoming Clinic Team Leader and helping to manage the vital functions of the practice. My heart will always belong to chairside assisting and caring for our patients.
My hobbies include, keeping fit, reading, cooking, photography and travelling whenever possible!
I was born, raised and educated in Toronto, Canada to Guyanese parents who immigrated to Canada in the 1970’s. In university I majored in nutrition and physiology before completing my education at George Brown College in Dental Hygiene. During my high school and university summers I had the opportunity to pursue my passion for dentistry not only in general practice but also a variety of dental specialties such as pediatrics and orthodontics. I moved to the sunny shores of the Cayman Islands August of 2004 ... yes, that’s right, one month before the infamous Hurricane Ivan! From the moment I started at Smile Dental Clinic I knew that it was the practice for me. Who knew all the qualities that I had been looking for such as a kind and considerate environment for staff and patients, advanced standards of care, and family atmosphere would be here in the middle of the Caribbean sea! I am proud to be a member of the Smile Dental Clinic Team.
I moved to the Cayman Islands in 2006 with my husband and two little girls, who are not that little anymore. I have been a Dental Hygienist with Smile Dental Clinic since April 2007. I started out in the dental field studying at Fanshawe College and graduated from the Dental Assisting programme in London, Ontario in 1990. I then went on to study Dental Hygiene at Seneca College in Toronto, Ontario where I graduated in 1993.
I continued working in Toronto for various dentists and also supplemented my experience by working as a sales rep for Sulcabrush Inc. I enjoy my profession and specifically being able to assist people with their oral hygiene needs. In my free time I’m an avid kickboxer and cherish life on the island with my friends and family!
I was born in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada and moved to Cayman in 1993 at the tender age of 3. Here, I completed all of schooling in the public school system – I consider myself a Caymanian having been here for over 18 years. After doing 2 years of post-secondary education at UCCI, I moved back to Ontario to complete my studies in Dental Hygiene. In 2011 I was registered with the Cayman Medical and Dental Council as a Registered Dental Hygienist.
Born in Alberta Canada. Attended University of Alberta and graduated with Bachelor of Science, with Specialization in Dental Hygiene in 2008. Moved to Cayman in 2017. Loves adventuring, travel, music, rock climbing and sunshine!! Dislikes mosquitoes and parking at the very end of the parking lot!
I was born in Cape Town, South Africa and qualified as a Dental Assistant in 1996 at Tygerberg Dental Faculty. I started my career with a pediatric Dentist in 1997 and a year later went on to private practice when the Dentist moved to the U.K.
In 2006, I accepted an offer to work for Smile Dental Clinic where I am presently employed. I got married in Cayman to my loving husband in October 2010 and we now have a lovely daughter named Freyja. While working for Smile Dental Clinic, I volunteered my time with the RCIPS in 2009 and continue to work as a Special Constable.
Born: Saskatchewan, Canada.
Started dental assisting 1983.
Moved to Cayman 2014.
Loves travel, new adventures, cooking, and being around happy people.
Dislikes: Being cold, that's why I'm living here!
I am from Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
I graduated from Dental Assisting school in 2003. I really enjoy and take pride in my opportunity to demonstrate and educate our community to provide outstanding dental health care. I moved to Cayman to experience the Caribbean culture, and I am grateful for every moment of it.
I was brought up in Zambia where we had an outdoor lifestyle full of adventure. In my late teens we moved to Bristol, England where I trained and qualified as a Dental Surgical Assistant in 1992. I have been very lucky in my career to work across the field of dentistry such as working for NHS in emergency and community clinics, to the oral surgery department at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol.
I have also worked extensively within the private sector covering cosmetic and family dentistry, specialty dentistry such as periodontics, orthodontics, implantology, and sedation clinics.
I joined Smile Dental Clinic in 2006 where my wealth of knowledge has helped me in assisting and advising patients with any dental concerns they may have.
Sally Janzen CDA - Qualified in 1997 as a Level II Certified Dental Assistant. Sally joined our team in February of this year and assists both our general dentists as well as our Orthodontists.
Kayley McAlinden CDA - Qualified in 2010 from the City and Guilds Dental Nursing program in Glasgow, Scotland. Kayley joined our team in October 2019 and our scheduling coordinator for our dental hygienists.
