Jane Wrinch, DMD 1992, recently graduated with a Master’s of Science in Orofacial Pain from the University of Southern California. We connected with Dr. Wrinch to learn more about the program, how it’s impacted her practice and what she loves most about dentistry.
What first inspired you to have a career in dentistry?
I always wanted to go into medicine, but during my undergrad at UBC, I lived with dental students who convinced me dentistry was the better option. After three years of studying botany, I applied to dental school, got in and never looked back!
Do you have a favourite memory of your time spent at UBC?
How green the campus always was. I left my hometown of Kamloops at a young age, and when I was at UBC, I remember thinking how lush everything around me felt.
Tell us a bit about your career trajectory.
After dental school, I moved to Montreal and completed a hospital residency through McGill. I was considering a specialty, but I ended up getting married and having children instead! After the residency, I moved to Ottawa and eventually bought a practice where I worked for five years. At that point, I was homesick for BC. My husband was offered a job in Victoria, so we decided to move back. I associated for just under a year and then built my own practice from the ground up. Dogwood Family Dentistry Centre opened in January 2000, and I’ve been here ever since.
What do you enjoy most about dentistry?
I love that every day is different. This career is challenging and encourages me to learn new skills, while also allowing me to develop long-lasting relationships with my patients.
How has your Master’s in Orofacial Pain influenced the way you practice?
I now practice in a more holistic way and I ask questions not just about my patient’s mouth, but about their stress level and overall mental wellbeing. Orofacial pain isn’t a recognized specialty in Canada, so there aren’t many of us trained in this country, but I’ve noticed such a big difference in how I’m able to help my patients.
For example, I had a patient who experienced tooth pain for years. She’d seen an endodontist and eventually an oral surgeon, but her pain never really improved. It always bothered me that I couldn’t come up with a solution for her. After taking this program, I now understand neuropathic pain and was able to explain it to her and work with her doctor to suggest more effective medications. I had another patient who was referred to me by a doctor. She had been to the emergency room several times with severe pain, and fortunately I was able to diagnose and treat her.
I’ve learned that oral pain is a huge spectrum—from myofascial pain, to trigeminal neuralgia, to obstructive sleep apnea to burning mouth syndrome—and understanding it has given me more confidence in my daily practice. I even learned that one of the early symptoms of shingles is a toothache—not the first thing that jumps to mind as a general dentist, but now it is part of my differential diagnoses!
What do you enjoy outside of dentistry?
I’m a potter and a gardener—I have a huge fruit, veggie and flower garden, and I spend hours outside on our acreage. I am also a beekeeper, and my husband and I enjoy exercising, especially hiking.