about

Built on Family. Guided by Care.

Since 2003, Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre has grown alongside Ottawa families, creating a welcoming place where patients of all ages feel respected, supported, and at ease.

A Practice That Began With One Family

Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre was founded in 2003 while Dr. Plant was on maternity leave with her first son.

With five years of experience as a dentist and the encouragement of her husband, AJ, she opened the practice in Blackburn Hamlet with a clear vision: to build a family dental clinic rooted in connection, respect, and long-term relationships.

In the early months, Dr. Plant personally provided hygiene care while building her patient base from the ground up. Her first hygienist, Stephanie, joined shortly after and remains part of the practice today.

Over two decades later, the clinic has grown significantly, but the heart behind it has never changed.

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Growing With Ottawa Families​​

Many patients first visited our clinic as children. Today, some return with families of their own.

Parents refer grandparents. Long-term patients help guide their loved ones to care. That continuity is something we value deeply.

Dentistry, to us, is not just about procedures. It is about building lasting relationships and creating a place where families feel comfortable returning year after year.

Growing With Ottawa Families​​

Many patients first visited our clinic as children. Today, some return with families of their own.

Parents refer grandparents. Long-term patients help guide their loved ones to care. That continuity is something we value deeply.

Dentistry, to us, is not just about procedures. It is about building lasting relationships and creating a place where families feel comfortable returning year after year.

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A Calm, Supportive Approach​

We understand that visiting the dentist can feel overwhelming for some patients.

Our approach is patient, respectful, and never rushed. We take the time to listen and ensure every individual feels heard and supported.

For those who need additional comfort during treatment, we offer sedation options including nitrous oxide and monthly intravenous sedation services provided by visiting surgeon Dr. Max Silver.

Our goal is simple: to make dental care feel manageable, reassuring, and positive.

“The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating throughout our visit. They made us feel comfortable from the moment we walked in. I would highly recommend this office to anyone looking for a positive and professional dental experience!”

Our Values

Everything we do is guided by a few core principles:

Respect

Patients are never judged. Every situation has a solution, and every individual deserves compassionate care.

Integrity

We practice responsibly and refer to trusted specialists when a treatment is best handled elsewhere.

Support

Our team members are treated with respect and encouraged in their professional growth, creating a positive environment that patients can feel.

Community

We proudly participate in local events, school initiatives, sports sponsorships, and community programs across Ottawa.

Our team

Behind every comfortable visit is a team that genuinely cares.

Our team reflects the diversity of the Ottawa community and works together to create a welcoming, professional environment where patients feel at ease.

Dr. Chantal Plant, DDS

founder & Doctor of Dental Surgery

Dr. Chantal Plant earned her Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Université Laval in Québec City. After graduating, she began her career in Bonnyville, Alberta, where she met her husband, who is originally from Ottawa. During those early years, she also gained valuable experience working on Indigenous reserves in Alberta and participated in several overseas volunteer dental missions in Guatemala, Bolivia, and Kenya. Giving back through dentistry remains something she hopes to do again in the future.

In 2003, while on maternity leave with her oldest son, Dr. Plant opened Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre from the ground up. What began as a small family practice has grown into a trusted clinic serving Ottawa families for more than two decades.

Dr. Plant is especially passionate about helping patients who feel nervous about visiting the dentist. Her approach is centred on empathy, encouragement, and creating a judgment-free environment where patients feel supported and confident in their care. She has additional training in nitrous oxide sedation and basic interceptive orthodontics.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Plant enjoys cheering on her four children — Francis, Helenna, Emillia, and Quinn — in their sports, including hockey, soccer, and horseback riding. She also loves travelling, gardening, fishing, and staying active at the gym.

Originally from Abitibi-Témiscamingue in Québec, Dr. Plant is fully bilingual and is happy to serve patients in both French and English.

Dr. Heather Smith, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Dr. Heather Smith earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Dalhousie University and is dedicated to helping patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident throughout their dental care. She believes in taking the time to clearly explain treatment options so patients can make decisions that feel right for them.

Dr. Smith is nitrous oxide certified and has a special interest in endodontics (root canal treatment) and extractions. She values providing thoughtful, patient-centred care that focuses on both comfort and long-term oral health.

She is proud to be part of the team at Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre and appreciates the supportive, friendly environment the team creates for patients every day.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Smith enjoys travelling, spending time with family and friends, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and making the most of sunny days outdoors.

Dr. Anna T. Huang, DDS

Doctor of Dental Medicine

Dr. Anna T. Huang obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from McGill University in Montreal. After graduation, she pursued further academic training by completing a General Practice Residency at the University of Alberta Hospital. During her residency, she honed her skills in the management of dental emergencies and the oral care of medically complex patients. She is known for her gentle touch and friendly demeanour. She loves seeing her patients happy with their experience and confident in their smiles. Outside of work, she can be found running after her two active young sons, hiking and camping in the great outdoors and cooking up delicious treats.

Dr. Kendal Creber, DMD

Doctor of Dental Medicine

Dr. Kendal Creber grew up in Ottawa with a passion for science and helping others. She earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario before completing her Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Sydney in 2019. Her background in engineering and research informs her thoughtful, evidence-based approach to dentistry.

At the heart of Dr. Creber’s care is helping patients feel understood, confident, and comfortable. She works closely with each person to reach their goals and create a healthy, confident smile, taking special care to put anxious patients at ease.

Outside the office, Dr. Creber enjoys traveling, gardening, cooking, and spending time with family, friends, and her aussiedoodle, Arlo.

“My experiences with Dr. Plant over many years have been incredible. She is so kind, patient and an excellent dentist. I have such anxiety going to the dentist, and they take such great care of me. Thank you so much.”

Meet Our Dental Hygienist

Sara Poloni

Restorative Dental Hygienist

Sara is a Restorative Dental Hygienist who has been working in dental hygiene since graduating from La Cité collégiale, later completing her Restorative Dental Hygiene certification at Algonquin College in 2009. She is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable and well cared for during their visits.

Sara loves being part of the team at Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre, where the supportive, family-like atmosphere makes every day rewarding. She takes pride in contributing to a team that is dedicated to providing excellent patient care while maintaining a positive and welcoming environment.

Originally from Ottawa, Sara now lives in Cantley, Quebec with her spouse David and stepdaughter Mila Rose. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling to discover new places, and staying active through Pilates and hiking. She also loves relaxing at home with her rescue dog.

Sara is bilingual and is happy to assist patients in both English and French.

Elizabeth Stewart

Registered Dental Hygienist

Elizabeth is a Registered Dental Hygienist who graduated from La Cité in 2015. She is passionate about patient education and preventive care, and finds it especially rewarding to see patients achieve positive results through their own efforts and improved oral health habits.

Elizabeth has worked in dentistry for over a decade and values building meaningful connections with the patients she cares for. She enjoys learning about their lives, from family stories to favourite pets and travel experiences.

She loves being part of the team at Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre, where the supportive, family-like atmosphere helps create a welcoming and comfortable experience for every patient.

Elizabeth grew up in a small village just outside of Ottawa and appreciates the quiet country lifestyle. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys reading, playing the occasional video game, travelling when she can, and spending summer days in the pool.

Elizabeth is fluent in both English and French.

Anne Leduc

Registered Dental Hygienist

Anne is a Registered Dental Hygienist who graduated from La Cité collégiale in 2004 and has been dedicated to providing thoughtful, patient-focused dental hygiene care ever since. She enjoys helping patients feel comfortable during their visits while supporting their long-term oral health.

Anne values the welcoming atmosphere at Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre, where strong teamwork and compassionate care come together to create a positive experience for every patient.

Outside the clinic, Anne enjoys gardening, camping, and hiking with her spouse Nick and their dog Bailey.

Anne is bilingual and is happy to assist patients in both French and English.

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Shiena Garganta

Registered Dental Hygienist

Shiena began her career in dentistry after graduating from the Dental Assisting program at Algonquin College in 2016, where she gained valuable clinical experience for two years. She later returned to school to pursue the Dental Hygiene program while continuing to work part-time in the dental field.

She enjoys working at Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre because of the collaborative team environment and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients while supporting their oral health.

Outside of the clinic, Shiena enjoys travelling and has a fun tradition of collecting fridge magnets and shot glasses from every destination she visits. She also enjoys staying active at the gym with strength training and spending time with her two-year-old corgi, Mochi.

Shiena speaks English and Filipino (Tagalog).

Stéphanie Ménard

Registered Dental Hygienist & Myofunctional Therapist

Stéphanie has been practicing as a dental hygienist since 2004 and joined Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre that same year. In 2022, she expanded her expertise by earning her certification in myofunctional therapy, allowing her to offer additional support for patients’ oral health and overall wellness. In 2025, she also began teaching at La Cité collégiale, where she shares her knowledge and experience with future dental hygienists.

Stéphanie truly enjoys working alongside the incredible team at Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre. She values the strong chemistry within the team and the shared commitment to providing thoughtful, patient-focused care. Over the years, she has built many meaningful relationships with patients and appreciates being part of their long-term oral health journey.

Outside of the clinic, Stéphanie enjoys a simple life in the country with her husband and two daughters. She loves cooking and baking, hosting family and friends, and spending time tending to her vegetable garden during the summer months.

Stéphanie speaks English and French.

Melanie S

Registered Dental Hygienist

Melanie graduated from Algonquin College in 2018 and has been part of the team at Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre ever since. She enjoys building relationships with patients and working alongside a team that is not only supportive but also feels like close friends.

Melanie and her colleagues are dedicated to providing thoughtful, high-quality dental care while creating a welcoming environment for every patient who visits the clinic.

Outside of work, Melanie enjoys travelling, golfing, and spending time outdoors with her husband, Nick, and their son, Lucas. Their family is also excited to welcome a new addition in the summer of 2026.

Melanie speaks English.

Meet Our Dental Assistants

Seble Girma

Level II Dental Assistant

Seble’s journey in dentistry began at Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre during a high school co-op placement. After graduating, she continued her education at CDI College, where she completed her Dental Assisting program in 2006.

She enjoys being part of a profession that helps people feel healthier and more confident in their smiles. Seble especially values the supportive environment at Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre, where the team works closely together to provide excellent care for patients while supporting one another.

Born in Ethiopia and raised in Canada, Seble is a proud mother of four children—two girls and twin boys. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her family and expressing her creativity by planning fun celebrations and special moments for her children.

Seble speaks English and Amharic.

Makiya Plant

Dental Assistant

Makiya has been working as a dental assistant for four years and enjoys being part of the welcoming and supportive environment at Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre. She values the strong connections built between the team and patients, and appreciates the positive energy that fills the clinic each day. Makiya is known for bringing enthusiasm and encouragement to her colleagues, helping create a fun and uplifting workplace.

Outside of the clinic, Makiya has an impressive athletic background. She previously competed as a gymnast and cheerleader, earning second place at the World Championships. In 2018, she also attended the Olympics as an athlete while helping introduce a new sport. Today, she continues to stay involved in athletics by working as a personal trainer for gymnastics and cheerleading athletes.

In her free time, Makiya enjoys travelling, trying new foods, and staying active. She speaks English and French.

Yuka Morimoto

Level II Dental Assistant

Yuka is a Dental Assistant who graduated from Algonquin College in 2018. She enjoys working closely with patients and supporting the dental team to ensure each visit runs smoothly and comfortably.

Yuka appreciates the supportive atmosphere at Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre, where teamwork and kindness are part of the daily experience. She finds it rewarding to be part of a team that genuinely cares about both patients and one another.

Originally from Japan, Yuka moved to Canada where she later met her husband. Together they have two energetic boys who bring joy and excitement to their lives. In her free time, Yuka enjoys playing pickleball, discovering new restaurants with her husband, and making music by playing the piano and singing with her sons.

Yuka speaks both Japanese and English.

Dr. Leila Torkashvand, DDS

Dental Assistant

Dr. Leila Torkashvand earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Islamic Azad University of Khorasgan in Iran in 2013. Originally from Iran, she brings several years of experience in dentistry and has continued her professional development in Canada, including completing her HARP certification.

Leila is known for her gentle approach and her ability to help patients feel at ease. She is especially passionate about working with children and creating positive dental experiences that build confidence from an early age.

As a proud mom of two, Leila values family deeply and enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones. She has a soft spot for animals and is always happy to support her community in meaningful ways. She also enjoys continuing to learn and grow within the field of dentistry.

At BBSDC, Leila is a valued member of the team who appreciates the supportive environment and the opportunity to provide thoughtful, patient-centred care.

Meet Our Patient Care / Administration

Robin Houle

Administrator & Patient Care Specialist

I am a cat lady. I am also an Amazon Lady (but no amazon body, lol), I love travelling on trains and my new passion is cruises.

Kelly M

office manager

I am a cat lady. I am also an Amazon Lady (but no amazon body, lol), I love travelling on trains and my new passion is cruises.

Dana

Administrator & Patient Care Specialist

Dana joined the dental field a few years ago after spending many years working in healthcare and education. She previously worked as a nurse for 12 years and most recently worked with children in a school setting, bringing a caring and supportive approach to everything she does.

She loves working at Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre because of the incredible team and the wonderful patients. Dana describes the clinic as a warm and welcoming place where everyone feels like family.

Outside of work, Dana is the proud mother of five daughters and a bonus daughter. She enjoys reading, colouring, crocheting, and tackling all kinds of puzzles. Most of all, she loves spending time with her husband and kids and embraces the joyful chaos of family life.

Helenna P

Receptionist

Helenna has been a valued member of the team at Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre for the past three years. She works primarily at the front desk, helping patients with appointments, answering questions, and ensuring each visit runs smoothly. Helenna also occasionally assists the clinical team when needed, supporting the office wherever she can.

Fluent in both French and English, Helenna enjoys helping patients feel comfortable and understood during their visit to the clinic.

Outside of the office, Helenna is a student at the University of Ottawa. She enjoys staying active and spending time with her animals. She regularly rides her horse and loves being outdoors with her two dogs.

Julie St-Jean

Administrator & Patient Care Specialist

Julie has been working in the dental field since 2017 and enjoys being part of the positive and supportive team at Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre. She appreciates the strong sense of care within the clinic and how everyone works together to create a welcoming experience for patients.

Julie studied Esthetics at St. Lawrence College before joining the dental field. She loves to travel and spend time with her family, including her son and her two dogs. If it were up to her, she would happily have ten dogs!

Julie speaks English and is always happy to practice her French.

A Place That Feels Like Family​

For us, success is not measured in numbers.
  • It is measured in long-term relationships.
  • In patients who feel comfortable returning year after year.
  • In families who trust us with their care.

We are honoured to serve Ottawa families and look forward to welcoming yours.

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Rooted in Our Community

Since 2003, Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre has proudly supported families across Ottawa both inside and outside the clinic. From local events and school programs to sports sponsorships and community initiatives, we believe being part of a neighbourhood means showing up and giving back.

We are grateful to serve a community that has trusted us for generations.

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We’re here when you’re ready.