Alison Whitlow
Alison Whitlow, BDSc 2018, always wanted a career in healthcare and after starting her undergraduate degree in kinesiology, she realized that dental hygiene might be the perfect fit. We connected with Alison to learn about her time at UBC Dentistry and where her career has taken her today.
What first sparked your interest in a career in dental hygiene?
Two years into UBC’s kinesiology program, I started thinking about where my degree would take me, so I talked to my uncle, Dr. Andrew Palaniak, who is a UBC Dentistry grad. We spoke extensively about hygiene, and he encouraged me to start looking into programs. When I found out UBC had one, I connected with Dr. Zul Kanji who told me about the program and all the potential growth a degree in hygiene allows for. I decided to apply to UBC and was thrilled to get accepted!
Do you have a favourite memory of your time spent at UBC Dentistry?
I loved the community rotations because it gave me a chance to provide care to many different patients. I also vividly remember the first time I had to put my hands in someone’s mouth. I remember thinking, “this is weird!” Now I’m so used to having my hands in peoples’ mouths, but the first time was definitely strange!
What has your career trajectory looked like?
I was raised in California, so after completing my hygiene degree, I knew the next step was obtaining a California licence. I had to write the USA board exam which is very different from the Canadian one, and I also had to take extra courses. I practiced in California for about a year and a half before moving to Indiana with my husband. Every state is different, so I had to take more courses and tests—it was a lot of work!
Since I was moving around, I temped in a few offices, which was challenging but probably the best thing I ever did for my career. It made me a better hygienist, both in terms of my clinical and people skills, and I became very adaptable.
I now work part-time in a private practice in Indiana and at Dr. Jen Oral Care, a specialty toothpaste company. I reach out to hygienists and dentists, explaining the research behind the work Dr. Jen is doing. It’s been a lot of fun and has allowed me to apply my knowledge in a different way.
Do you have any advice for current dental hygiene students?
First, I would say if you ever have the chance to temp, do it! Second, enjoy being in school. Be a sponge and absorb as much knowledge and as many experiences as you can. A dental hygiene degree opens a lot of doors—you don’t have to be in the operatory your whole career.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I love to run and cycle. I became a runner during my time in hygiene school—I would literally change right after clinic, run out the doors and just keep running! I am also a Scottish Highland dance instructor and participate in the Indiana Highland Games every year. My husband and I are avid travelers and have been to many places including Singapore, Switzerland, Germany and Austria. I am hoping to take him to beautiful British Columbia soon!
2025 Alumni Affiliate Award Recipients
The Alumni Affiliate Awards recognize important professional and community contributors as honorary alumni of the UBC Faculty of Dentistry.
This year three incredible women were honoured during the Graduation Luncheon and Awards Celebration: Dr. Myrna Halpenny, Rae McFarlane and Shunhau To. Their commitment to service, education and community has helped strengthen the Faculty and the dental profession as a whole.
Dr. Myrna Halpenny
A respected leader, pioneer and role model, Dr. Myrna Halpenny has made lasting contributions to dentistry through service, mentorship and advocacy. Her career includes serving as president of both the BC Dental Association (BCDA) and the College of Dental Surgeons of BC (CDSBC), where she was the first woman to hold the role. She is a founding member of the BC Women’s Dental Society and a past chair of the BC Section of the American College of Dentists.
In addition to co-owning a specialty endodontics practice, Dr. Halpenny taught and mentored students as a part-time faculty member at UBC. She supported the ethics curriculum through the American College of Dentists and contributed to various committees at the BCDA and CDSBC. She also helped raise funds for the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University.
Her achievements have been recognized with Awards of Merit from both the BCDA and CDSBC. She holds fellowships with the International College of Dentists and the American College of Dentists and is a member of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. She has been described as an icon and a generous ethical professional whose impact is felt across the dental community.
Rae McFarlane
For more than four decades, Rae McFarlane has been a champion for dental hygiene education in Canada and beyond. A graduate of UBC’s first Dental Hygiene Diploma class, she has contributed at the local, provincial, national and international levels, always focusing on students and underserved communities.
At UBC, she serves as the Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Coordinator and sits on both the Admissions Committee and the Dental Hygiene Curriculum Committee. She is also enrolled in a Doctorate in Distance Education program and participates in UBC’s artificial intelligence forums. Her work led to updates across the program’s syllabi, adding content related to artificial intelligence and academic integrity.
Her service includes providing dental public health care to Indigenous children and Elders in the Northwest Territories and practicing in long-term care settings. She has been a mentor for the College of Dental Hygienists of BC (CDHBC), established a local study club, supported a nonprofit dental clinic and served as clinical director for the Special Olympics.
Rae has received UBC Dentistry Part-time and Session Faculty Teaching Awards and Volunteer Service Awards from both the CDHBC and the BC Dental Hygienists’ Association. Colleagues describe her as humble, generous and committed to student learning and the advancement of the profession.
Shunhau To
Known for her positivity and dedication to patient care, Shunhau To has played a key role in the development of UBC’s Geriatric Dentistry Program. Working alongside Dr. Chris Wyatt, she has helped expand outreach to more than 27 hospitals and assisted living facilities.
As a coordinator and administrator, Shunhau supports operations across long-term care facilities by working closely with faculty, staff, students and patients. She helped facilitate the donation of a dental clinic to Villa Cathay Care Home, which has become part of the UBC DMD and general practice residency (GPR) curriculums.
She has participated in outreach programs and fundraising efforts, served as a continuing education speaker on geriatric care and contributed to a National Institutes of Health article on COVID-19. She was also a panelist for the 2023 UBC MEDTalks on Healthy Aging. Her work reflects a strong commitment to community health and collaborative care.
Celebrating UBC Dentistry Graduation Awards and Achievements
The UBC Dentistry Graduation Awards celebrate outstanding student achievements and recognize the Faculty’s commitment to excellence in dental education. Congratulations to the award recipients for the 2024-25 academic year!
Mya Badesha
BDSc 2025
Dental Hygiene Faculty Graduating Award
Annie Cai
BDSc 2025
Faculty of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Degree Program Medal and Prize
Anaam Din
BDSc 2025
IMPACT of Ten Dental Hygiene Scholarship
Jaci Knight
BDSc 2025
Marilyn Dionne Teed Memorial Award
Carmen Mei
BDSc 2025
123Dentist Award in Dentistry
Xuan Nguyen
BDSc 2025
Dr. Saida and Firoz Rasul Award in Dental Hygiene
Danielle Santomin
BDSc 2025
W. Jo Gardner Memorial Award in Dental Hygiene
Negar Sasani
BDSc 2025
Nurani Family Award in Dental Hygiene
Carlie Tigley
BDSc 2025
Darlene J. Thomas Memorial Award in Dental Hygiene
Beth Inkster
BDSc 2025
BC Dental Hygienists' Association Joan Voris Award of Achievement
Rana Alamdaran
DMD 2025
American Academy of Gold Foil Operators Gold Foil Award
American Academy of Oral Medicine
Ram Swarup Goel Memorial Prize in Dentistry
Hannah Agnew
DMD 2025
American Association of Orthodontists' Dental Student Award
Alison Blattler
DMD 2025
Dr. Michele Williams Outstanding Patient Care Award
Ryan Bonnie
DMD 2025
Canadian Academy of Periodontology Award of Excellence
Joel Chahal
DMD 2025
British Columbia Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Book Award
Betty Chang
DMD 2025
British Columbia Dental Association Dr. K.K. Wan Memorial Award
Jason Choi
DMD 2025
British Columbia Society of Pediatric Dentists Prize
Roy Sofield Memorial Prize in Dentistry
Kaileigh Chow
DMD 2025
123Dentist Award in Dentistry
American Academy of Periodontology Dental Student Award for Achievement in Periodontology
Dr. Earl Ellison Prize
Alexander Danesi
DMD 2025
American Dental Society of Anesthesiology - Horace Wells Senior Student Award
Alex Fan
DMD 2025
Akash Villing & Family Prize for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 2025 Dental Implant Student Award
Academy of Operative Dentistry Prize
Janis Jeyarajah
DMD 2025
American Academy of Orofacial Pain Outstanding Senior Student Award
Anika Gong
DMD 2025
American College of Prosthodontists Predoctoral Student Prosthodontic Achievement Award
Andrew Kallstrom
DMD 2025
American College of Dentists Award in Ethics and Professionalism
Dr. Nancy Scott Memorial Award for Outstanding Patient Care in Dentistry
Pavneet Kalsi
DMD 2025
Dental Undergraduate Society Award
Christine Kim
DMD 2025
Patterson Dental Prize
BITES Institute Prize in Dentistry
Prince George and District Dental Society Award in Dentistry
Christine Niknam Leilabadi
DMD 2025
American Academy of Implant Dentistry Dental Student Award
Jenny Li
DMD 2025
The Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Periodontics
Regnoel Paran
DMD 2025
Madaisky Pollock LLP, Business Lawyers Award in Dentistry
Jordan Petryk
DMD 2025
Canadian Academy Of Restorative Dentistry And Prosthodontics The CARDP 2025 Dr. E.J. Rajczak Student Scholar Award
Madison Powell
DMD 2025
The Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Restorative Dentistry
Stefania Priore
DMD 2025
Pierre Fauchard Academy Award
Soheil Saeidiborojeni
DMD 2025
Sinclair Dental Community Service Award
Kyle Sohi
DMD 2025
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Achievement Award
Paige Squires
DMD 2025
Beavers Dental Bill Scott Prize
Brendan Szeto
DMD 2025
Max Nacht Memorial Prize in Dentistry
Monarch Pediatric Dental Centre Achievement Award
Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry/Académie Canadienne de Dentisterie Pédiatrique Dr. Norman Levine Undergraduate Dental Student Award
Michaela Walker
DMD 2025
Scotiabank Award in Dentistry
Mary Wu
DMD 2025
Dr. John Nasedkin Award in Dentistry
Clement Zheng
DMD 2025
The Quintessence Award for Research Achievement
Roy Zhao
DMD 2025
British Columbia Dental Association Medal and Prize
Canadian Dental Association Student Leadership Award
Dr. Jeanne Craig Sinkford Student Leadership Award
Rose Zhou
DMD 2025
American Association of Endodontists’ Prize
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 2025 Dental Student Award
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Prize
Dr. Charles Shuler Award in Geriatric Dentistry
Dr. Michele Williams Outstanding Patient Care Award
The DMD student clinical mentorship program aims to connect junior students with fourth-year student mentors who offer guidance, support, and insight into the clinical aspects of dental care. The Faculty thanks each 2024-25 DMD student clinical mentor for their dedication and leadership!
| Alison Blattler | DMD 2025 |
| Amy Chang | DMD 2025 |
| Betty Chang | DMD 2025 |
| Jason Choi | DMD 2025 |
| Christine Kim | DMD 2025 |
| Regnoel Paran | DMD 2025 |
| Julia Plexman | DMD 2025 |
| Madison Powell | DMD 2025 |
| Stefania Priore | DMD 2025 |
| Soheil Saeidiborojeni | DMD 2025 |
| Parmeet Shokar | DMD 2025 |
| Paige Squires | DMD 2025 |
| Brendan Szeto | DMD 2025 |
| Michaela Walker | DMD 2025 |
| Roy Zhao | DMD 2025 |
| Rose Zhou | DMD 2025 |
The peer mentorship program aims to promote students' social and academic integration and cultivate a sense of inclusiveness and belonging in the student community. Peer mentors take responsibility for organizing social activities throughout the academic year and share insights with students in their junior years to help facilitate their success.
The Faculty thanks each 2024-25 peer mentor for your enthusiasm, collaboration, and leadership!
| Emma Tarzwell | (BDSc 2027 candidate) |
| Tamar Rabadi | (BDSc 2027 candidate) |
| Suneeta Dhol | (BDSc 2027 candidate) |
| Shradha Lakshman | (BDSc 2026 candidate) |
| Angela Peralta Bahia | (BDSc 2026 candidate) |
| Jennifer Vo | BDSc 2025 |
| Xuan Nguyen | BDSc 2025 |
| Grace Liu | BDSc 2025 |
| Gagandeep Kataria | (DMD 2027 candidate) |
| Noah Kroeker | (DMD 2027 candidate) |
| Christina Liang | (DMD 2027 candidate) |
| Hyun-Ho (William) Lee | (DMD 2026 candidate) |
| Cameron Houchmand | (DMD 2026 candidate) |
| Monique Nijjer | (DMD 2026 candidate) |
| Shawn Chaniana | DMD 2025 |
| Stefania Priore | DMD 2025 |
| Carl Call | DMD 2025 |
| Zara Abbasiparashkouh | (MSc Year 3) |
| Dr. Tala Maragha | (Postdoctoral Fellow) |
| Shabnam Enteghad | (MSc Year 3) |
| Sankriti Ananthamurthy | (MSc Dip Pediatrics Year 3) |
| Atyaf Saleh | (MSc Dip Pediatrics Year 3) |
| Navi Bharj | (MSc Dip Orthodontics Year 2) |
| Lucy Leon | (MSc Dip Orthodontics Year 2) |
| Amr Farrag | (MSc Dip Prosthodontics Year 3) |
| Amira Fouda | (MSc Dip Prosthodontics Year 3) |
| Leila Gholami | (MSc Dip Periodontics Year 3) |
Presented by Dr. Ahmed Hieawy, the DMD Endodontics Challenge Coin recognizes students in the DMD Endodontic program who have demonstrated outstanding performance and a commitment to the values of excellence and service in the dental profession.
| Jason Choi | DMD 2025 |
| Christine Kim | DMD 2025 |
| Stefania Priore | DMD 2025 |
| Soheil Saeidiborojeni | DMD 2025 |
| Clement Zheng | DMD 2025 |
Congratulations to the faculty members, clinical instructors and graduate teaching assistants who received the 2024-25 Teaching Awards.
| Dr. Zara Abbasiparashkouh | DMD Teaching Award |
| Dr. Sheida (Rosi) Bagheri | DMD Teaching Award |
| Dr. Anahita Bakhshaei | DMD Teaching Award |
| Dr. Judy Demque | DHDP Teaching Award |
| Dr. Anuja Doshi | DMD Teaching Award |
| Natyra Haxhiavdija | DHDP Teaching Award |
| Dr. Mohammad H. Jahangiri | DMD Teaching Award |
| Dr. Zul Kanji | DHDP Teaching Award |
| Dr. Sandra Maduke | Graduate Programs Teaching Award |
| Dr. Tala Maragha | DMD Teaching Award |
| Dr. Peter Murphy | DMD Teaching Award |
| Dr. Hossain Najar | DHDP Teaching Award |
| Dr. Matthew S. Ng | DMD Teaching Award |
| Dr. Edward Putnins | Graduate Programs Teaching Award |
| Dr. Anu Rehtlane | DMD Teaching Award |
| Dr. Mohammad Mahdi Salehi | DMD Teaching Award |
| Dr. Chris Siu | Graduate Programs Teaching Award |
| Dr. Sepehr Torabi | Graduate Programs Teaching Award |
| Dr. Darren Yu | DMD Teaching Award |
Congratulations to the graduate student who received the 2024-25 Graduate Program Award.
Atyaf Saleh
(MSc Dip Pediatrics Year 3)
Monarch Pediatric Dental Centre Graduate Community Achievement Award
UBC Dentistry is grateful for our award supporters’ generosity and continued support of the student awards program.
Davide Di Giovanni
Davide Di Giovanni, DMD 2000, is a dentist and pizza connoisseur who owns the family-run Pizzeria Spacca Napoli in Port Moody, BC. We connected with Dr. Di Giovanni to learn about his time at UBC Dentistry and his love for pizza.
What inspired you to go into dentistry?
My parents immigrated from Italy and worked hard to make ends meet—in the summer, our family vacation was spent picking tomatoes in the Okanagan, which we would use to make sauce for the year. My parents wanted something more for me and encouraged me to apply to dentistry after finishing my undergraduate degree in microbiology at UBC. I was a good artist and liked science, so dentistry felt like a good fit.
Do you have a highlight of your time spent at UBC Dentistry?
UBC Dentistry was one of the best times in my life—if I could rewind 25 years just to experience it again, I would! I have many close friendships from my time in dental school, and my classmate Dr. Samira Sadeghi co-owns Newport Dental with me.
One vivid memory I have was preparing for an exam involving acrylic provisionals, small, temporary restorations that you place on prepared teeth. One flew off the bench and I couldn’t find it anywhere! I was panicking because I needed it for the exam. Later that night, Dr. Sadeghi called to let me know she found it—caught in her hair!
How did your career progress after graduation?
I started working as an associate three days a week in Port Moody and three days a week in Burnaby before buying my own practice in 2006. Dr. Sadeghi joined as co-owner in 2019, and it’s been amazing working with her—we always talked about running a practice together when we were in dental school!
Do you have any advice for current dental students?
I was told Vancouver and the surrounding cities were too saturated with dental practices and that it would be hard to build a patient base, but I haven’t found that to be the case at all. I think if you communicate openly and honestly with people and build relationships with them, you will always find a loyal patient population.
Tell us about your journey opening Pizzeria Spacca Napoli.
Throughout undergrad, my childhood friend Danny and I commuted to UBC together and, food lovers that we were, we talked about food the entire way. I ended up marrying a woman from Naples, and on one of our visits there, we brought Danny along to show him how amazing the pizza was. That’s when we decided to bring an authentic Neapolitan style restaurant to Port Moody.
Danny and I opened the restaurant alongside my family in 2016 as a side hustle—I was working as a dentist from 9 am to 6 pm and then I would head to the restaurant and stay there until 11 pm. I worked the oven for the first few months while my mother-in-law made pasta in the kitchen, and my cousin is the manager now, so it’s been an incredible experience. Danny is a financial advisor, so he manages the books, and I focus on the menu. We’re always looking for ways to improve and we keep the menu as authentic to Naples as possible.
We were honoured to receive a prestigious 3 Spicchi ranking from Gambero Rosso, which is a global authority on Italian cuisine, equivalent to the Michelin Star system. This award cemented our reputation as an authentic Italian pizzeria and was validation that we’re doing things right!