Hilary Pada, DMD 2000, has spent over two decades working as a dentist in Kelowna, BC. Her practice has spanned cancer care to general dentistry and, most recently, a new path in early intervention growth and development and infant care. We connected with Dr. Pada to learn about her time at UBC Dentistry and her unique career trajectory.
What first sparked your interest in a career in dentistry?
I have always loved working with and making small things, such as Ukrainian Easter eggs and—a favourite challenge—untangling knotted-up necklaces! Working on something that balances a delicate touch and strategy with patience is satisfying.
I was also interested in science and started a Masters in Marine Biology, but ultimately, I went with dentistry because I liked the artistic and technical side and wanted to play a role in caring for people.
Do you have a favourite memory of your time spent at UBC Dentistry?
I joined the UBC Med School Choir. We practiced once a week, and I really loved it. Although I had other music experiences, this was my first choir, and it was a special and uplifting experience each week.
How did you first become interested in working at BC Cancer?
I completed a general practice residency in Vancouver because I wanted to end up in a smaller town and figured this experience would help me gain a better understanding of how to manage medically complex patients. I didn’t even know that this was a part of dentistry. I fell in love with mentorship from many clinicians who were passionate about cancer care.
This influenced my decision to move back home to Kelowna because I wanted to include cancer care in my practice life. I’m grateful to have served for almost 25 years at what is now BC Cancer Kelowna! We have many amazing colleagues and specialists who serve BC Cancer, and it is a pleasure to work in multidisciplinary teams.
My role now involves research and pre-screening patients having cancer treatments that will affect the mouth. We assess patients and then place them in the hands of oral surgeons or community dentists to ensure they are dentally healthy enough for treatment.
What advice would you give to new graduates?
I advise pursuing high-quality continued education and study clubs and carefully choosing what you don’t want to sacrifice for your career. I would also say that women should find women mentors who can help them navigate being a mother, dentist and business owner if that’s what appeals to them. You can do it all, but finding balance and having a support system is important.
Tell us about your current practice at CO₂llaborative Care + Research
In 2018, I took a course that changed everything. It was my first exposure to Integrative Oral Medicine. I learned how the airway and breathing affect craniofacial development, the microbiome, oral-systemic health connections, tongue tie and oral myofunctional therapy. I had no idea that epigenetics played such a big role!
In 2020 I opened CO₂llaborative Care + Research, which offers oral myofunctional therapy, growth and development therapies, and tethered oral tissue release care for ages five and up. A major focus of our work is interdisciplinary care for families with infants who are one year old or younger. We collaborate with many healthcare providers, including physical therapists, physicians, dentists, speech language pathologists and lactation consultants. We assess, diagnose and treat functional swallow, where the tongue has optimal movement. It is challenging and incredibly rewarding care.
Research shows strong evidence that our swallowing pattern from infancy impacts our growth and development. The phrase, “We are all grown-up babies,” is commonly heard in our clinic.
Sometimes I miss doing general dentistry, but I’m glad my path has taken me here. It feels good!