For Joe Germain, DMD 1992, and his wife Diana Germain, DMD 1993, dentistry runs in the family. The pair owns a practice in Mission, BC, and works alongside their son Bayley. We connected with Joe and Diana to learn more about their passion for dentistry and their time at UBC.
What first got you interested in a career in Dentistry?
Diana: In grade three or four we did a play where I was the first incisor, so I think my love for dentistry started then! My undergraduate degree was in kinesiology, and one year, I went to a sports dentistry symposium and came back thinking dentistry was a good fit for me.
Joe: I spent time shadowing a dentist in high school; I always liked sciences but was too queasy to become a physician, so dentistry made sense.
Do you have a favourite memory of your time spent at UBC Dentistry?
Diana: I’ve always liked the opportunity to use my skills to give back. In school, we did clinics where students from underprivileged communities would come in for free dental care, which was a highlight for me. That translated to my work as a dentist—I’ve gone on several missions to Africa and Asia to provide dental care to people in need.
Joe: Diana and I met during our undergraduate degree and got married while we were in dental school, so that’s definitely one of my favourite memories!
Another memory that stands out was during first year, which was a stressful time. We were in one of our tougher classes, and the medical students—back then, dental and medical students took classes together for the first two years—did a rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas” but modified it to “The 12 Cranial Nerves,” which I’ll never forget.
What has your career as a dentist looked like?
Diana: My dad is also a dentist, so for years, I split my time between working with him in North Vancouver and with Joe in Mission. I now work full-time with Joe and our son Bayley, a fellow dentist who joined the clinic two years ago!
Joe: Within a year of graduating, I bought a practice in Mission with one of my fellow UBC Dentistry grads. At the time, it was a small clinic with two chairs. Now, we have 11 chairs. We never pressured Bayley into dentistry, so it was a pleasant surprise when he decided that’s what he wanted to do. It’s so cool to work with him!
What do you love most about being a dentist in a smaller community?
Diana: The camaraderie. Mission dentists get together at least once a year for dinner, and we always help each other out. Recently, two dentists, who are also UBC grads, were looking for a piece of equipment, and we had an extra, so we gave it to them—these sorts of things make it special to work in a smaller community.
Outside of dentistry, what are some hobbies you enjoy?
Diana: I love yoga, pickleball, swimming and paddle boarding.
Joe: I like to play golf and hike, and I love it when our kids come over for dinner.