Family Dentistry
in Nanaimo, BC
Nanaimo Smiles family dentistry is committed to delivering the community of Nanaimo, BC with reliable, affordable dental care that is unmatched. We promise to care for smiles of all ages with a warm, welcoming and respectful experience each visit. Find your smile.
Dr. Nadia Stymiest
Dr. Nadia Stymiest has been practicing as a general dentist and serving the Nanaimo area since 2013. The Nanaimo Smiles practice features all aspects of dental care, with a particular passion for oral surgery, pediatrics and restorative dentistry. Since graduating from Boston University, Nadia has continued to invest in furthering her education with courses such as Invisalign, Nitrous Oxide Sedation and botox.
As a proud mom of two, Nadia is extremely passionate about constructing a safe, friendly environment for families of all ages. Above all else, Nadia is on a mission to make excellent dental care accessible to every smile in our community. Nanaimo Smiles aims to feel like your dental home, a place where you’ll always be treated like family.
What makes Dr. Nadia smile? Any corny jokes or puns—the cheesier, the better! Especially when they are told by her patients or two wonderful kiddos.
Meet Our Team
The growing Nanaimo Smiles team takes pride in providing exceptional and friendly care for patients in the Nanaimo community and the surrounding area.
Dr. Holly Blaikie, DMD
Dr. Holly Blaikie is thrilled to be rejoining the dynamic Smiles team. After spending 20 years of her career immersed in the dental health of our community, she is grateful for the chance to return to Ladysmith, help old acquaintances, and treat new patients with her characteristic compassion and openness.…
Dr. Blaikie is a graduate of Dalhousie University, where she completed a Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc) and a Master of Science (MSc) in marine biology before obtaining her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1998. She is an avid painter, house designer, hiker, and gardener. She is also a published author, with a second novel poised to hit the bookshelves.
What makes Dr. Blaikie Smile?
Learning, creating, and time spent with her husband and two grown children.
Dr. Michel Rivard, DMD
Dr. Michel Rivard has always been intrigued by the interplay of technical skill and artistry that dentistry provides, but it is his genuine passion for people that truly motivates him in his work. After completing his studies in Dental Medicine at the Université de Montréal, Dr. Rivard saw an opportunity he …
simply couldn’t resist—an invitation to join the Smiles team and explore the beautiful west coast.
Not only does Vancouver Island provide a dynamic environment for his dental practice, it also offers the perfect backdrop for his off-duty adventures.
What makes Dr. Rivard smile?
Feeling helpful in society and having a positive impact in people’s lives.
Dr. Avdeesh Shetty, DDS
Dr. Avdeesh Shetty, DDS, is a highly qualified dentist who originally trained as a dentist in India. After moving to Canada in 2011, Dr. Shetty gained experience as a dental lab technician and a certified dental assistant before retraining as a certified Canadian dentist at the University of Alberta. …
His unique dental career has equipped him with vast industry knowledge and a holistic outlook on dentistry.
Known for his caring and soft-spoken demeanour, Dr. Shetty prides himself on helping his patients cope with their dental phobia and taking the time to listen to their concerns. When he’s not helping his patients smile, you’ll find Dr. Shetty hiking with his wife and their goofy pup, Zoe.
What makes Dr. Shetty smile?
When his team, Manchester United, scores or when eating some good lamb biryani!
Dr. Gillan Marvel, DMD
Dr. Gillian Marvel brings a warm and compassionate approach to patient care, with a strong focus on helping people feel comfortable and confident in their oral health. She holds a Bachelor of Life Sciences from Queen’s University and earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Sydney in Australia.,…
With several years of experience in dentistry in Campbell River, Dr. Marvel enjoys building genuine relationships with her patients and takes pride in making a positive difference in their lives. Whether it’s easing dental anxiety or helping someone smile with confidence, she finds fulfillment in every aspect of her work.
What makes Dr. Marvel Smile? Skiing, running, reading a good book and hanging out with her cat and dog at home
Dr. Jung Kim, DMD
Dr. Kim has a deep passion for connecting with his patients and making a positive impact—not just on their smiles, but on their overall well-being. He was born in Seoul, Korea, and raised in Vancouver, BC. After graduating from Temple University in Philadelphia, he returned to Canada to practice dentistry. When he isn’t helping his patients smile,…
you’ll find him making his son and twin daughters smile—and enjoying some good Korean food with his wife. What makes Dr. Kim smile?
Golfing, mountain biking, fitness, and working on his coffee enthusiast status by perfecting his latte art.
Esme, Clinical Operations Manager
Having worked in the dental field for the past several years, Esme is always happy to answer your questions. Graduating from Okanagan College in 2016, Esme began her journey as an assistant, and quickly found that her love for computers and patient-care …
blended together perfectly into administration. She moved from Kelowna to the island in 2018, and worked for a few years in the field of oral surgery.
Now she is so happy to have moved to Ladysmith, where she can do the things that she loves: Paint, thrift shop and play video games!
What makes Esme smile?
Watching her favourite movie series, Twilight, and spending time exploring the island and laughing with her loved ones.
Trina, Dental Billing Manager
Trina has worked in dental for 23 years, learning many different aspects of the administrative field. Having moved from Victoria to Ladysmith in September of 2021, she has fallen in love with this amazing community.…
Aside from her love for hiking the local trails, Trina also enjoys running daily, and painting.
What makes Trina smile?
Interacting with the kind, friendly Ladysmith community.
Florentin, Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Florentin M. Wilfart, PhD, brings over 15 years of experience in shaping and expanding businesses, particularly within the healthcare sector. Holding a Medical Engineering degree from Germany and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering…
from Dalhousie University, Canada, Florentin possesses a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical expertise.
Since relocating to Vancouver Island two years ago, Florentin has been embracing each season on the island and his role within the Smiles team—a role he describes as the perfect intersection of his interests in biomedical engineering, business, and team leadership.
What makes Florentin smile?
When he is not at one of the Smiles Clinics, you’ll find him in nature, boating, skiing, fishing, and exploring with his family.
Zoe, Registered Dental Hygienist
Zoe may be a familiar face in the office as she worked with the practice for many years. She has been a dental hygienist for over 20 years working in both Vancouver and on the island. She is known for her gentle touch and the time she takes to make sure each patient feels involved in their care.…
In 2018, Zoe received her 800-hour International Yoga Teacher Training certification and now teaches at the Vijnana Yoga Center. Zoe’s passions also include interior design, gardening, and cooking.
What makes Zoe smile?
Spending time with her friends and walking in nature with her son.
Joanne, Office Manager & Executive Assistant
Joanne brings a calm and creative presence to the clinic, with a strong focus on organization, patient connection, and a people-first approach. With over a decade of experience working in the international art world—including time in Australia and ten years with a Vancouver-based art dealer representing galleries in Los Angeles—Joanne has a natural ability to handle complex logistics while keeping everything running smoothly..…
Her passion for helping others and her belief in the power of genuine care are evident in her work every day. Joanne first came to the clinic as a parent, bringing her daughter to see Dr. Nadia. That early experience left such a lasting impression that her daughter was later inspired to pursue a career in dentistry herself.
What makes Joanne smile? A healthy, happy family, a good sunset, a steady wind to carry the sails, and sipping hot chocolate in Paris.
Meghan, Registered Dental Hygienist
Bryan, Registered Dental Hygienist
Bryan‘s love for Vancouver Island is deep rooted. He moved to the island at 16 years old and has been taking full advantage of the unparalleled boating opportunities here ever since.…
With a passion for community and his parents’ reverence for dentistry, Bryan attended Vancouver Island University, known as Malaspina at the time, to obtain his CDA certification.
What makes Bryan smile?
Hiking, boating, playing the guitar, and spending time with his fiancé.
Lyndi, Registered Dental Hygienist
Charlene, Registered Dental Hygienist
Charlene studied at the College of New Caledonia in Prince George and has been a Vancouver Island resident for 20 years–she loves the ocean best of all. Charlene knew she wanted to pursue a career in dentistry since she was 14 years old!…
Outside of work, she enjoys boating, spending time with friends, and watching reality TV.
What makes Charlene smile?
Working with a fantastic team and going on vacation!
Fiona, Certified Dental Assistant
Emma, Certified Dental Assistant
Tara, Certified Dental Assistant
After being scared of the dentist as a child, Tara has mastered the key to making dentist visits fun for kiddos.…
What makes Tara Smile?
When Tara isn’t helping our youngest patients smile, you can find her hiking and hanging out with her family or sailing the coast.
Anita, Certified Dental Assistant
Anita, a VIU graduate, was born and raised on Vancouver Island but spent time in England and on the mainland before happily returning to her island home. She appreciates the island’s beautiful oceans, lakes, and lack of traffic jams. With 41 years in dentistry, inspired by her own orthodontic experiences as a child, Anita is dedicated to her work.…
Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and granddaughter.
What makes Anita smile?
Her wonderful colleagues and the opportunity to help her patients.
Mariam, Front Desk Admin
Ella, Front Desk Admin
Ella, a 2023 graduate of Nanaimo District Secondary School, has called Vancouver Island home since she was five. She loves the island’s proximity to the ocean and its stunning natural beauty.…
With a long-standing interest in dentistry, Ella eagerly embraced the chance to learn about the field and office operations. Outside of work, she enjoys swimming during warm weather and having fun with friends.
What makes Ella smile?
Seeing animals—especially cats—and spending quality time with friends and family!
Carmela, Treatment Coordinator
FAQs
Emergency On-Call Number
If you are experiencing an emergency while the practice is closed, there is a dentist on call 24/7 through the Nanaimo and District Dental Society at (250) 816-1029.
Are you connected to Ladysmith Smiles?
Yes! Dr. Nadia Stymiest and her team also help the community of Ladysmith smile at her first practice Ladysmith Smiles, which opened in August 2021.
If you are a patient of Ladysmith Smiles and Nanaimo is a more convenient location for you, speak to our team about transferring to Nanaimo Smiles. You can expect the same exceptional experience at both our locations
What services do you offer?
Nanaimo Smiles dental clinic offers a comprehensive suite of dental services, including:
- Examinations
- Cleanings
- Invisalign
- Botulinum Toxin
- Whitening
- X-Rays
- Fluoride Treatments
- Sealants
- Fillings, Crowns, Bridges and Implant Restorations
- Root Canals
- Extractions and Dental Surgery