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The BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) is holding a board election for two registrant or certified dental assistant board member positions. Of the 12 members on the Board, half are elected, and half are appointed (public) members. In this election period, certified dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental technicians, dental therapists, dentists and denturists were invited to consider nomination for the Board.
There are two professional positions open in the 2025 election, all with start dates of April 1, 2025:
Certified dental assistant board member (3-year term*)
Board member who may be a registrant or a certified dental assistant (3-year term*)
See below for voting information and 2025 election candidate details.
*The 3-year term lengths are subject to change should the government enact the Health Professions and Occupations Act prior to the term for these board member positions ending on March 31, 2028. For more information, please visit the Superintendent’s website or the Ministry of Health Professional Regulation website.
Candidate information and statements are provided below. All candidates were asked to provide answers to the same three questions.
Voting for these candidates will take place online between January 29 through February 10, 2025.
Board Member Candidates
As part of its commitment to Indigenous cultural safety and humility, BCCOHP plays a role in taking action to eliminate Indigenous-specific racism in health care. This requires collective action at all levels. What leadership qualities, experience and/or perspectives will you contribute at the board level?
I have successfully completed the San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Program, a comprehensive 15-hour online course that emphasizes cultural sensitivity and awareness, especially regarding Indigenous cultures. In my practice within the multicultural community of Vancouver, my staff and I are dedicated to respecting cultural differences and recognizing how these differences can significantly impact the effectiveness of dental healthcare. At the board level, I will bring strong leadership qualities such as empathy, cultural awareness, and a firm commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. My extensive experience in community engagement and collaboration with Indigenous leaders will drive our strategies to eradicate racism in healthcare. Furthermore, as a passionate advocate for equity, I will ensure that our policies prioritize Indigenous cultural safety.
The Board is accountable for the governance of BCCOHP and for ensuring that it is protecting the public as required by legislation. What leadership experience, skills or qualities will you contribute to enhance the oversight role of the Board and its effectiveness?
I have developed strong and effective leadership skills through my experience as a former Board Member, Committee Chair, and, most notably, by managing a successful practice rooted in an evidence-based approach to patient-centered care. As part of my commitment to fostering healthy and productive relationships between the BCCOHP and its registrants, I have published articles on ethics and professional conduct, emphasizing our shared dedication to achieving reasonable, patient-centered outcomes. Additionally, I have contributed to mainstream media to promote health literacy and empower the public with accessible and accurate information. I deeply honor the privilege of being an oral healthcare professional and fully support the College’s mandate to regulate all members of the oral healthcare team. This mission ensures the delivery of safe, trustworthy, and accessible oral healthcare to all British Columbians.
The framework for the regulation of health professionals in BC is being modernized to improve governance and enhance patient safety. As a Board member, what leadership qualities will you bring to support BCCOHP’s efforts to reimagine oral health care oversight?
I chaired the BCCOHP’s Standard and Guidance Committee and oversaw the initial development of the Professional Standards document, which outlines what the public can expect from BCCOHP registrants and clearly states the standards against which registrants are evaluated. Before amalgamation, I served on the board of the legacy dental college and participated in various boards and committees. However, the key point is my years of active engagement in leadership roles, promoting health literacy and empowering both patients and registrants. I work daily to reimagine oral healthcare oversight. I bring extensive experience, a dedication to community service, and a passion for enhancing the registrant-patient relationship. I am eager to collaborate with fellow oral healthcare professionals and the public to oversee policies that promote access to quality dental care, foster professional growth, and enhance public trust in all aspects of oral care.
As part of its commitment to Indigenous cultural safety and humility, BCCOHP plays a role in taking action to eliminate Indigenous-specific racism in health care. This requires collective action at all levels. What leadership qualities, experience and/or perspectives will you contribute at the board level?
Oral health professionals are in a unique position of fiduciary responsibility for patients. It is hard though for professionals to understand and account for their own biases, and recognize their behaviors that may cause harm to others. As a dentist working with patients of varying backgrounds, I ensure I take the time to explain all options and help patients see the benefits and consequences of each decision. I do not allow my own preconceived notions about a patient to sway the options they are given. I could never claim to fully understand experiences I have not been through. However, I am committed to doing what I can to learn about what is being done to protect vulnerable communities and work with those with first-hand experience to guide the directions the BCCOHP is taking in these matters. Learning from those that have and are currently experiencing a lack of safety and humility and have experienced or are currently experiencing racism firsthand is more important than drawing on some prior intermittent experiences or stories that in actuality have probably only created more bias. We need to be open to change. We need to accept our lack of knowledge and understanding. We need to work to fix the problems of today with today’s solutions, not relying on outdated experience-based action to fix the perceived problems of yesterday.
The Board is accountable for the governance of BCCOHP and for ensuring that it is protecting the public as required by legislation. What leadership experience, skills or qualities will you contribute to enhance the oversight role of the Board and its effectiveness?
While I have not served in any board positions in the past I have served in various leadership positions in my community and university. There are many instances where it was important to ensure that proper procedure and guidelines are followed. As a dentist also, I constantly strive to keep all business and clinical practices in line with current guidelines. Rules are changing and in flux based on current needs. New situations that don’t fit norms will always arise. It will be key moving forward with the new HPOA that we are able to see where things are going right and where things are going wrong and make the necessary changes to ensure that we are doing everything necessary to protect the public. In a world where patients are pursuing an increasing amount of alternative treatment options, and constantly looking for lower costs, it is becoming increasingly important to be doing all we can to protect patients. We need to educate them so that they can make decisions for themselves and allow them their autonomy between safe options, while also knowing when to refuse treatment options we know are wrong or harmful, even it it is what they want and even if that means the patient will go elsewhere. The BCCOHP Board will need to find balance between these opposing forces and understand that there are times when choices are limited, and oral health professionals should be educated enough to know when to say yes and also when to say no. I believe that I will be able to help find that balance on the board and help enhance the oversight legislation, which will ultimately make the board more effective in its role.
The framework for the regulation of health professionals in BC is being modernized to improve governance and enhance patient safety. As a Board member, what leadership qualities will you bring to support BCCOHP’s efforts to reimagine oral health care oversight?
Dentists are registrants with the largest scope of practice and the most in depth education into the various biological, chemical and physical aspects of dentistry. It is incredibly important that a dentist be on the board. There are so many complex issues involved in deciding what treatment is the best and what options are viable. The complex health issues of different patients and different cases with so many variables means there needs to be someone with this education on the board in order to make sure that everything is being done to protect patients. I have also found in working in other leadership roles, that it is extremely key to get information from all perspectives before making decisions. That is why having a varied board makes a huge difference. Without varying perspectives on a board, solutions to problems would be very one sided and often end up creating more problems than solutions. I honestly feel that one perspective I bring is that I have no political ambitions. I have no desire to use this to step into some other position. I am not burdened with a bunch of “this is how it’s always been done” as I have not participated in any other board or elected positions. I feel that by serving here I can truly help protect patients.
As part of its commitment to Indigenous cultural safety and humility, BCCOHP plays a role in taking action to eliminate Indigenous-specific racism in health care. This requires collective action at all levels. What leadership qualities, experience and/or perspectives will you contribute at the board level?
With over 20 years as a dental therapist and over a decade working exclusively in rural and remote First Nations communities, I bring an impassioned commitment to cultural safety, humility, and allyship. My governance experience on the boards of CDSBC and BCCOHP has informed my ability to navigate complex systems, uphold accountability, and drive meaningful change. As the founder of Culturally Committed, I have led the development of tools and resources that empower health care providers to unlearn systemic biases and embed cultural safety into their practices.
I bring to the Board a deeply relational leadership style, influenced by treasured mentorship with Indigenous leaders and my dedication to advancing reconciliation. I understand the power of listening, the necessity of shared responsibility, and the urgency of systemic transformation. My focus is on amplifying Indigenous voices, fostering trust, and driving bold, sustainable actions to eliminate Indigenous-specific racism in health care.
The Board is accountable for the governance of BCCOHP and for ensuring that it is protecting the public as required by legislation. What leadership experience, skills or qualities will you contribute to enhance the oversight role of the Board and its effectiveness?
As a seasoned professional with over 20 years in oral health care, I bring a forward-looking perspective to reimagining oversight in a modernized framework. My leadership is rooted in strategic thinking, adaptability, and a strong commitment to patient safety and public trust. Having served on the boards of CDSBC and BCCOHP, I understand the nuances of regulatory reform and the importance of aligning governance with evolving public expectations. I bring a collaborative approach to fostering innovation, balancing accountability with responsiveness, and ensuring that the Board’s decisions remain equitable, effective, and inclusive.
The framework for the regulation of health professionals in BC is being modernized to improve governance and enhance patient safety. As a Board member, what leadership qualities will you bring to support BCCOHP’s efforts to reimagine oral health care oversight?
Reimagining oral health care oversight requires bold, empathetic, and informed leadership – qualities I bring through both my professional practice and governance experience. Founding Culturally Committed has taught me how to lead change by building consensus, fostering innovation, and addressing systemic inequities. I approach challenges with curiosity and a solutions-oriented mindset, ensuring that decisions prioritize patient safety while advancing public confidence in regulation. My dedication to transparency, ethical governance, and cultural humility will support BCCOHP’s efforts to create a modernized and inclusive framework.
Certified Dental Assistant Board Member Candidates
As part of its commitment to Indigenous cultural safety and humility, BCCOHP plays a role in taking action to eliminate Indigenous-specific racism in health care. This requires collective action at all levels. What leadership qualities, experience and/or perspectives will you contribute at the board level?
As a person of aboriginal/Indigenous heritage*, I have made a choice to engage considerably with Indigenous communities, fostering relationships based on trust and mutual respect. My understanding of Indigenous cultures and histories equips me to advocate effectively for culturally safe practices within my dental practices and with transfer to positive contribution at the board level. I believe my family’s lived experiences, fears and belief system give me a unique perspective into client experiences and community biases.
I have raised my children with our ancestral teachings and try to bring the fundamental teachings into my clinical practice of dentistry. I recognize that cultural humility is an ongoing journey. I am dedicated to continuous education on Indigenous issues, and I encourage the same among my peers. With a strong focus on long-term outcomes, I am eager to contribute to a strategic vision that prioritizes Indigenous health and well-being. My proven ability to think critically and strategically will help guide the board in developing comprehensive action plans to eliminate racism in health care.
By leveraging these qualities and experiences, I am confident that I can contribute to BCCOHP’s mission, ultimately fostering a dental care environment that respects and uplifts Indigenous cultures.
*As a person with fair complexion, I frequently feel like I need to defend/explain my connection to our Indigenous community. My mother was a member of the Tsilhqot’in (Chilcoltin) nation and resided just outside of the Tsideldel (Red Stone) reserve for many years. My great uncle was also a Chief of the Nisga’a nation at one point according to my family’s oral history. For many generations, my family has denied and hid our culture and heritage to protect our children from the very biases I pledge to work hard to eliminate.
The Board is accountable for the governance of BCCOHP and for ensuring that it is protecting the public as required by legislation. What leadership experience, skills or qualities will you contribute to enhance the oversight role of the Board and its effectiveness?
I have held various leadership positions in dental offices in my 25 years of dental practice where I was responsible for steering strategic plans and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. This experience has equipped me with the ability to critically assess organizational performance and align it with the legislative expectations. I am skilled at developing frameworks that not only mitigate risks but also enhance operational efficiencies. My experience in building and facilitating open discussions will contribute to a cohesive board dynamic, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered in our oversight role. I am dedicated to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability in leadership and governance. I will advocate for clear communication of our decisions and actions to the public, fostering trust and confidence in BCCOHP’s role. I am committed to the ongoing evaluation of our governance practices. By promoting a culture of continuous improvement, I will encourage the Board to remain adaptive and responsive to the changing landscape of health care and public needs. I am confident that I can enhance its oversight capabilities and ensure that BCCOHP meets its legislative responsibilities while effectively protecting the public.
The framework for the regulation of health professionals in BC is being modernized to improve governance and enhance patient safety. As a Board member, what leadership qualities will you bring to support BCCOHP’s efforts to reimagine oral health care oversight?
As a prospective Board member, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the reimagining of oral health care oversight. I bring several key leadership qualities that will support this initiative. By embracing forward-thinking strategies, I will help guide BCCOHP in developing a modern, responsive framework for oversight that meets the evolving demands of our health care landscape. My experience in fostering partnerships will enable me to facilitate dialogue and cooperation, ensuring that diverse perspectives are integrated into our oversight processes. I am dedicated to promoting health equity, particularly for underserved populations. I will advocate for practices that address disparities in oral health care access and outcomes, ensuring that our oversight framework is inclusive and equitable for all communities. I recognize that the field of oral health care is dynamic and ever evolving. I am committed to ongoing education and staying informed about best practices and emerging trends, which will allow me to contribute meaningfully to the Board’s discussions and initiatives. By bringing these leadership qualities to BCCOHP, I am confident that I can support our collective efforts to reimagine oral health care oversight in a way that is innovative, equitable, and responsive to the needs of our communities.
As part of its commitment to Indigenous cultural safety and humility, BCCOHP plays a role in taking action to eliminate Indigenous-specific racism in health care. This requires collective action at all levels. What leadership qualities, experience and/or perspectives will you contribute at the board level?
Being in a leadership position at my institution has provided me the experience and educational opportunities to develop my understanding around cultural safety, equity and justice. This position has also opened the door to expanding on my own awareness surrounding bias and looking at the world through an Indigenous lens. Annually, I conduct a report on the Truth & Reconciliation calls to action in health care programs at the college ensuring our health programs portfolio is indeed implementing and changing what and how we do things in health education and within the college’s community of learners. Reciprocity and reflective praxis are what I hope to contribute to the board. I also bring opportunities to the BCCOHP board with courses or speakers that may be working with other health professions that the board may see as value to BCCOHP members. Reducing harm and anti-racism in health care places the principles of “In Plain Site” at the forefront of what we do and how we show up in the world. My organization allows me the platform to advocate in an authentic way towards change, I hope my perspective on this can help support the board towards a future that recognizes cultural diversity and embraces our Indigenous perspectives whole heartedly in all the work we do as a board.
The Board is accountable for the governance of BCCOHP and for ensuring that it is protecting the public as required by legislation. What leadership experience, skills or qualities will you contribute to enhance the oversight role of the Board and its effectiveness?
Serving as a Board member requires a thorough understanding of the organization’s mandate, vision, and goals. My experience on boards, including as a Director with the NDAEB, has deepened my grasp of these responsibilities. As a Dental Educator and Health Dean, I have balanced multiple perspectives, such as representing the Commission of Dental Assisting Accreditation of Canada as a Director for the NDAEB.
However, I understand the importance of setting aside other roles to focus solely on the strategic priorities of the organization I represent during BCCOHP’s Board engagements.
My professional strengths—strategic thinking, collaboration, and policy expertise—align well with the oversight responsibilities of the BCCOHP Board. With experience in human resources and labor relations, I am skilled at addressing emerging challenges. Notably, I contributed to drafting BCCOHP’s COVID-19 IPAC protocols in 2021, ensuring timely updates for registrants. I value teamwork, active listening, and adaptability to navigate internal and external factors influencing board decisions effectively.
The framework for the regulation of health professionals in BC is being modernized to improve governance and enhance patient safety. As a Board member, what leadership qualities will you bring to support BCCOHP’s efforts to reimagine oral health care oversight?
Leadership qualities that I feel I would bring to the board that contribute to strengthening governance, enhancing patient safety, and supporting the modernization of oral health care oversight in BC are:
1. My commitment to continuous learning – staying informed about advancements in oral health care and regulatory best practices. I would promote professional development within the board and the broader organization.
2. My ethical integrity and accountability – uphold the principles of fairness, equity, and ethical governance. I would always aim to ensure decisions are made in the public’s best interest and that they withstand scrutiny.
3. I would embrace change and provide innovative solutions to challenges in oral health care oversight.
4. Always prioritize patient safety and public trust in every decision and policy recommendation.
5. Contribute to the long-term planning of the board by aligning governance with the evolving framework for health professionals in BC, specifically oral health care professionals.
6. Effective communication and advocacy – clearly articulate the vision and mission of BCCOHP’s modernization efforts to various audiences.
7. Collaboration and stakeholder engagement is a key quality I bring. I engage with many stakeholders in health authorities and our dental communities, national organizations and advocate oral health care within those important partnership groups.
As part of its commitment to Indigenous cultural safety and humility, BCCOHP plays a role in taking action to eliminate Indigenous-specific racism in health care. This requires collective action at all levels. What leadership qualities, experience and/or perspectives will you contribute at the board level?
I feel I have a unique perspective on the College’s commitment to Indigenous cultural
safety and humility, as I grew up on a small reserve in Telegraph Creek, BC, totally
immersed in Tahltan culture most of my life as well as being a CDA for 30 years. Although I
am not Indigenous myself, my late stepfather was First Nations as well as my children and
husband of 38 years. I know first-hand the troubles that Indigenous peoples have, even
more so once I became a dental assistant. Whether it’s a dire lack of dental services in
remote areas, to being utterly confused on how to navigate the dental care system for their
children, or the elders. More Indigenous patient care advocates are needed, as well as
BCCOHP continuing to support and encourage a trusting, long lasting relationship with
their dental professionals. Giving the Indigenous people the tools and understanding on
how to navigate and take control of their own dental well-being.
The Board is accountable for the governance of BCCOHP and for ensuring that it is
protecting the public as required by legislation. What leadership experience, skills or
qualities will you contribute to enhance the oversight role of the Board and its
effectiveness?
My job at our busy practice is not only chairside dental assisting, it’s so much more! As
lead, senior CDA in the back, actually the only CDA for the last few years! (staff shortages
here in the north) I am constantly training and encouraging fellow staff members, always
striving for a positive, work-together team environment. I make sure all safety standards
are adhered to in every operatory throughout our practice. Patient care is very important!
Their comfort, confidence and trust in us to deliver the best dental care to them is
paramount. I take pride in that. I have to be organized and professional, making sure all
departments of our clinic are taken care of and run smoothly. I love promoting our CDA
profession as well, especially when there’s such a shortage of trained staff right up here.
It’s such a gratifying career. I’d really like to see more Indigenous people become trained in
the dental field too and I work at promoting it, especially when we go back to the village in
Telegraph Creek. I’ve done oral hygiene demonstrations with the children at the school a
few times, great fun!
The framework for the regulation of health professionals in BC is being modernized
to improve governance and enhance patient safety. As a Board member, what
leadership qualities will you bring to support BCCOHP’s efforts to reimagine oral
health care oversight?
Always room for improvements, myself included. That’s why I’d love to work with our
governing body more at this time in my life, I’m not working as many hours as when I was
younger and now have more time to learn and devote energy in helping BCCOHP. Feels
exciting! I work really good in a team environment, getting interests and opinions across
without having people put their guards up. Compromise and willingness to think out of the
box is strong point with me. After 30 years in this profession, it can be hard at times to keep
up the passion, but I’ve never had a problem with that, so much to still learn and explore in
dentistry. For the profession, as well as the public. I’m on board for all in this life! Don’t
want to miss a thing.
As part of its commitment to Indigenous cultural safety and humility, BCCOHP plays a role in taking action to eliminate Indigenous-specific racism in health care. This requires collective action at all levels. What leadership qualities, experience and/or perspectives will you contribute at the board level?
As humble as I can be, I refer to myself as a learner. My contribution in the context of
Indigenous cultural safety and humility would be stay informed and continue to learn to
improve. I understand that I need to reflect often to reassess and evaluate for
improvement. Awareness is the very first step in order for changes to occur. If I have the
honour to become a board member of BCCOHP, I would have to be a role model in this
mission as the public and members of the profession are looking upon the board as
guidance.
The Board is accountable for the governance of BCCOHP and for ensuring that it is
protecting the public as required by legislation. What leadership experience, skills or
qualities will you contribute to enhance the oversight role of the Board and its
effectiveness?
With 20 years of experience in assisting as a Certified Dental Assistant, I could share my
perspective should it be applicable with an intention of helping to advance the best
interests of BCCOHP in meeting its mission and vision of protecting the public. I
volunteered for Pitt River Middle School PAC as a Treasurer (2020-2022) and I was a Quality
Assurance Committee member of CDSBC. Through participating I gained experiences and
understood the importance of obtaining objective view as well as avoiding conflicts of
interest. I was able to keep committee information confidential and uphold the
committee’s code of ethics. Each volunteer opportunity was an invaluable learning
experience that I was grateful for.
The framework for the regulation of health professionals in BC is being modernized
to improve governance and enhance patient safety. As a Board member, what
leadership qualities will you bring to support BCCOHP’s efforts to reimagine oral
health care oversight?
As a Certified Dental Assistant, I often look for various continuing education opportunities
to keep myself up to date with new innovation, technology and clinical practices. I enjoy
attending the Pacific Dental Conference both the exhibition hall and lectures to learn
about new products and innovations etc. Online learning is also another convenient option
that I participate in such as webinars, workshops, and courses. Personally, I view
continuing education as self enhancement and, therefore, I often seek into learning
different subjects that I am interested and/or those I need to work on. It is a true joy to
learn.
As part of its commitment to Indigenous cultural safety and humility, BCCOHP plays a role in taking action to eliminate Indigenous-specific racism in health care. This requires collective action at all levels. What leadership qualities, experience and/or perspectives will you contribute at the board level?
I am a Certified Dental Assistant dedicated to fostering an inclusive, respectful healthcare system that prioritizes Indigenous cultural safety and equity. As part of my ethical duty, I continuously upgrade my knowledge to address colonialism, systemic racism, and health disparities affecting Indigenous peoples. Completing a course in intercultural competence at VCC (PIDP program) enhanced my skills and provided tools to support culturally safe practices.
As a team lead and dental assistant instructor, I champion collaborative leadership and advocate for diverse perspectives in decision-making. I believe Indigenous communities deserve safe spaces to voice their opinions and contribute to policies that affect them. My experience includes shaping inclusive practices and reducing barriers for marginalized groups.
Aligned with Truth and Reconciliation, I am committed to addressing healthcare inequities and promoting policies fostering cultural humility. I bring leadership, experience, and passion for BCCOHP’s mission of eliminating Indigenous-specific racism.
The Board is accountable for the governance of BCCOHP and for ensuring that it is protecting the public as required by legislation. What leadership experience, skills or qualities will you contribute to enhance the oversight role of the Board and its effectiveness?
I was appointed as a dental assistant instructor in one of the community colleges in Lower
Mainland and was quickly promoted by the management and Dean of Programs to the
position of Team Lead and head of dental programs (dental assistant and dental reception). During the last 4 years I have been in these leadership roles and have consistently demonstrated strong leadership qualities. My duties were to manage teams (including other instructors, IT, and maintenance staff) developing, implementing, and updating curriculum, and ensuring compliance with the current industry standards and regulatory requirements.
As a team lead, I have successfully collaborated among diverse stakeholders and resolved conflicts to maintain a productive environment. My experience overseeing dental programs has further polished my skills in strategic planning, resource management, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.
The framework for the regulation of health professionals in BC is being modernized to improve governance and enhance patient safety. As a Board member, what leadership qualities will you bring to support BCCOHP’s efforts to reimagine oral health care oversight?
As a dental assistant instructor, team lead, and head of dental programs, I bring leadership qualities that align with BCCOHP’s vision for modernized oral health regulation. I excel in adapting to change, fostering collaboration among diverse teams, and promoting open communication to drive meaningful dialogue and consensus-building. My experience in education and program leadership has provided a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, ethical oversight, and professional development. I am committed to ensuring high standards of care, public trust, and patient-centered oversight.
With a strategic vision and analytical mindset, I assess risks, anticipate challenges, and propose solutions aligned with BCCOHP’s mandate. My focus on public protection, governance, and innovation will support efforts to enhance patient safety and future-ready oral health care. I am dedicated to contributing to a regulatory framework that prioritizes public trust and advances the quality of oral health services.
| Notice of election published | December 2, 2024 |
| Nomination Period | December 2, 2024 – January 1, 2025 at 4:30 pm |
| Voting Period (online) | January 29, 2025 – February 10, 2025 at 4:30 pm |
| Announcement of election results | February 13, 2025 (anticipated) |
| Term of office begins | April 1, 2025 |
| Orientation sessions for new board members (mandatory) | May 2025 (TBD) |
| June Board meeting | June 19, 2025 |
This page will be updated regularly as the election progresses.
For specific questions, contact registrarsoffice@oralhealthbc.ca.