Our Team
Dr. Gary Powell, BSc. DMD
 Gary Powell is a caring dentist with a gentle technique who has been practicing dentistry for 11 years.
Gary enjoys helping people of all ages to improve their dental health and their smile. With many advances in science and technology, it is an exciting time to be a dentist. Gary provides excellent care in all areas using the latest technology that dentistry has to offer. He routinely exceeds the requirements for continuing dental education set by the British Columbia Dental Association. He is a strong believer in giving back to the community and being part of the dental community. He is a past vice-president, and president of the Kelowna and District Dental Society. Providing free dental work for the Kelowna Gospel Mission and sponsoring local youth sports teams are some of ways he likes to contribute.
Gary grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His education began on a baseball scholarship to the United States where he played baseball while attending university for three years. He returned to the University of Manitoba where he completed is Bachelor of Science in June 1992, and then his Doctor of Dental Medicine in 1996. He met his wife, Sharmaine, who was taking dental hygiene also in the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Manitoba. They both graduated in 1996. He began his dental career in Calgary, AB at a busy family practice. After a vacation in the Okanagan, he and his wife decided to move to Westbank and start a dental practice and a family in September 1998. They were able to build their “dream” dental office in 2007 and hope to have many happy and successful years practicing at that location. He values the trust and relationships he has built in Westbank over the years.
In his spare time Gary loves fishing, boating, reading, skiing and spending time with his family.
He maintains membership with the Canadian Dental Association, the British Columbia Dental Association and the Kelowna and District Dental Society.
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Sharmaine Powell (Registered Dental Hygienist)
 Sharmaine Powell is a thorough and gentle dental hygienist. Educating patients about their oral health and the many options available in dental treatment are some of her favourite parts of the job.
Staying current with continuing education is a high priority for her because of the increasing awareness in dentistry regarding dental health and how it affects overall health. The many advances in research and technology are also fascinating. She is very detail oriented which carries over to making sure that patient care is of the highest standards.
She grew up in Regina, SK and began her education in the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba. She graduated from Dental Hygiene in 1996 from the University of Manitoba.
In her spare time she loves spending time with her kids, reading, boating, skiing, playing tennis and piano.
She maintains membership in the Canadian Dental Hygiene Association and the British Columbia Dental Hygiene Association. She is also an active member of the Okanagan Periodontal Study Club, mentored by Dr. Steven Faigan, a local periodontist.
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Stephanie
(Registered Dental Hygienist)
 Stephanie is an amazing hygienist who has the skills to make patients feel at ease while doing a very thorough and gentle cleaning. She enjoys her job because she can help people improve their oral health as well as their overall body health. It is rewarding when a patient leaves knowing they had a pleasant experience.
Stephanie received her Diploma in Dental Hygiene at the College of New Caledonia in Prince George in 2000. She worked in Prince George from then until joining Dr. Gary Powell’s office in July 2005.
She maintains membership in the Canadian Dental Hygiene Association, the British Columbia Dental Hygiene Association and is a member of the Okanagan Periodontal Study Club mentored by Dr. Steven Faigan, a local periodontist.
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Tami
(Certified Dental Assistant)
 Tami is a warm and friendly people person. She has worked with Dr. Powell for nine years and has enjoyed getting to know the patients and helping them feel comfortable with their dental experience. She enjoys educating patients and helping them make treatment decisions.
She graduated as a certified dental assistant from Trend College in Spokane, WA in 1991.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids; a teenager, one entering elementary school and a toddler.
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Laurie
(Certified Prosthodontic Dental Assistant )
 Laurie has over 27 years of experience in the dental field. Her dedication is evident by her consistent attention to the patients’ needs. She is a very positive person with great communication skills who helps everyone’s dental experience go as smoothly as possible. She began as a chair side dental assistant from 1980-1988. She graduated from NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) in 1988 and completed her certified prosthodontic module from OUC (Okanagan University College) in 1996.
She has been working with Dr. Powell since 2001.
In her spare time, she and her husband are busy with their two teenage children.
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Leah
(Certified Dental Assistant/Dental Receptionist)
 Leah is the friendly face who will usually greet you at the front desk. She is extremely organized and efficient. She will do her best to help understand your dental insurance and work out the financial details. Her experience as a dental assistant has provided her with the knowledge to discuss dental treatment while she is booking appointments.
She enjoys the variety her job offers, the wonderful patients and working together with a great team to provide excellent customer service and patient care.
She graduated from the OUC certified dental assisting program in June 1995 with honours. She has worked for Dr. Powell since 1999.
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Tracey (Registered Dental Hygienist)
 Tracey is a caring and enthusiastic dental hygienist who strives to make every dental visit a positive one. She enjoys meeting diverse groups of people and working with each patient to achieve their optimal health.
Tracey graduated from UNBC (University of Northen BC) in 2000 with a BSc. in psychology. This provided her the opportunity to work with individuals dealing with physical and mental challenges in a variety of settings. In 2005, she graduated from Vancouver Community College and was awarded the Clinical Excellence Award in her graduating class. She worked as a dental hygienist in Vancouver before moving to Peachland in 2007.
She maintains membership in the Canadian Dental Hygiene Association and the College of Dental Hygienists of British Columbia.
In her free time she enjoys hanging out with her husband and her 2 dogs.
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Colleen (dental receptionist)
 Colleen is a BC girl who grew up in the Lower Mainland and relocated to Westbank eight years ago.
Her career in the dental industry started right after she graduated high school. Colleen has enjoyed working as a dental receptionist as well as a chairside dental assistant over the years.
She loves to learn and grow as a person and is always up for new challenges. Colleen joined Dr. Powell's office in September and was a huge help through the transition of starting up our new location. Colleen is very happy to be a part of Dr. Powell's team and looks forward to providing care and excellent service to all patients.
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Dr. Gerry Just, DDS (Dentist)
 Dr. Gerry Just is a caring dentist and genuine person who has been a part of Dr. Gary Powell's dental practice since 2004. Dr. Just has been a dentist in Kelowna for 33 year. He graduated from the prestigious Loma Linda University in California, in 1974. He has also completed dental tours in Nunavut and the North West Territory working with native Canadians.
Dr. Just's wife, Wilma, is a retired, registered nurse. They have two children and two grandchildren. Their daughter, Kelly, is an investigative television news producer for NBC news. Their son, Mark, practices dentistry in Alaska.
Dr. Just is pleased to be associated with Dr. Powell and his excellent staff!
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Jill (Certified Dental Assitant)
 Jill Guidi is a gentle hearted dental assistant who will help you feel calm in the dental chair. She enjoys the interaction with so many people on a daily basis, and the variety that her job holds. Jill has a strong work ethic that ensures an expedient visit with a smile.
Since graduating in 2003 from Vancouver Community College, Jill has completed numerous continuing education courses. She completed her Orthodontic Module in 2004 and is always looking ahead for what she can learn next.
Jill is a regular volunteer and participant in the CDA society in Kelowna, helping to teach people how to best care for their teeth. She volunteers once a month in the dental clinic at the Kelowna Gospel Mission and weekly in their kitchen preparing dinner. She has always had a 'soft spot' for people in need and really enjoys these opportunities to serve them.
Married in 2003, Mike and Jill lived in Vancouver for two years and have been back in Kelowna now for almost three. They built a home in 2005 and can now appreciate what the Okanagan has to offer. Jill has been working with Dr. Powell since September 2007 and is looking forward to a long career as a certified dental assistant.
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