Dr. Farhan Shivji completed his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of British Columbia, and has since
become the proud owner and principal dentist of NeWest Smile Dental, located in the heart of New Westminster’s Brewery District.

Dr. Shivji creates a welcoming and safe clinical environment that prioritizes patient comfort. Patients consistently
appreciate his precise anaesthetic technique, and his charismatic and caring chair-side manor. Dr. Shivji advocates for his patients, and enjoys educating patients regarding their oral health care, with consideration of each patient’s specific concerns- both restorative and cosmetic. As well as growing his practice, Dr. Shivji has a strong interest in population and public health. He has traveled to San Quintin, Mexico on a dental mission to provide dental care to communities in need.

In his spare time Dr. Shivji enjoys spending time hiking and skiing around beautiful BC, keeping up-to-date with his passion for cars, and spending time with friends and family.

Dr. Tina Tavakoli completed her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Toronto. She was working in Ontario for few years before moving to Vancouver. She loves nature and adventure, so selecting beautiful British Columbia wasn’t a hard decision. Dr. Tavakoli has a warm, caring and gentle personality, which puts children and anxious patients at ease.

Dr. Tina Tavakoli has a passion for making her patients smile with confidence. Her focus to deliver quality and comfortable dentistry of all phases is sensed from her strive to attend advanced continuing education courses. She particularly enjoys the fields of esthetics, comprehensive care and Oral surgery.

In her free time, Dr. Tina Tavakoli enjoys Hiking, climbing and skiing.

Dr. Jessica Chen obtained her Bachelor of Science with distinction (B.Sc.) degree from the University of British Columbia and her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree with high distinction from the University of Sydney. Dr. Chen was awarded the Martin Halas Prize as the top clinical student in all clinical components in her final year of dentistry, and the Peter Kaleski prize for excellence in Prosthodontics and Endodontics from the Australian Society of Endodontology and International Academy of Gnathology

Dr. Chen values building a trusting relationship with her patients through open communication and keeping her patients well-informed. Her kind, patient, and gentle demeanor allows patients to receive comprehensive care in a comfortable and stress-free environment.

Dr. Chen practices minimally invasive dentistry with evidence-based approach and keeps her skills and knowledge up to date with continuing education courses and study clubs. She has a passion for sharing her knowledge with patients so that they can work together to obtain optimal oral health.

Dr. Chen has provided dental treatment at the Children’s Hospital and the Dental Emergency department in Westmead Hospital in Sydney. She is currently a public health dentist with Vancouver Coastal Health. In her free time, Dr. Chen enjoys giving back to her community as a volunteer dentist at Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society in Downtown Eastside. Dr. Chen currently holds active memberships with the BC Dental Association, Canadian Dental Association, Australian Dental Association, and the BC Dental Study Club. Some of Dr. Chen’s hobbies includes hiking, swimming, and learning to cook new dishes

I grew up watching my father in his practice of medicine and he became my first inspiration to pursue a career in healthcare. I graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS/DDS) degree in Pakistan in 2008 and continued with specialty training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery which finished in 2014. I grew more passionate about helping people during my training which focused on facial trauma, cleft lip, and palate surgeries and oral cancers. Currently, I am registered as a General Dentist in Canada with interest in implant dentistry and dental surgical procedures. I cherish the opportunity of making a positive impact in my patient’s lives that this career allows me.

I am the most passionate about providing children in need with a supportive environment to flourish in. I actively support the SOS Children’s Village, which is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides humanitarian and developmental assistance, to orphaned children, across the globe. (https://www.soschildrensvillages.ca/) In addition, I love finding out and supporting initiatives in this area by organisations like BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and Hope and Healing.

In my free time, I love to spend time with my family, try out new recipes, read, write, and engage in outdoor activities. See my adventures here: Ali M ( @ aj_mehd1) • Instagram photos and videos

I maintain membership status with multiple professional associations including BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP), British Columbia Dental Association (BCDA), Doctors without Borders, Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Pakistan.

Dr. Mo was born in Iran and has been practicing dentistry for the past 24 years, dedicating the last 18 years towards Implant Dentistry and Periodontal (gum) surgeries. He has been practicing as a licensed general dentist in Canada since 2015.

After getting his DDS from Shahid Beheshti University in 1995, he practiced general dentistry for three years and went back to the university to receive his MSc in Periodontics in 2001. In Iran, he provided patients with periodontal and advanced implant treatments at his private practice, and served as an assistant professor at the Guilan University of Medical Sciences.

Dr. Mo has a passion for continuous education, and has served both as an instructor and a student in various courses to cultivate his passion for implant dentistry.
Away from his practice, Dr. Mo enjoys skiing, biking, and spending time with his family.

Janelle graduated from The Certified Dental Assisting Program at VCC in 2016 and has been working in the dental field since. Most recently she has expanded her role to become the head administrative receptionist of our team. Having been cross trained to work in both our clinical and administrative teams has truly given her the ability to assist all of our patients with their dental needs and concerns. With a strong work ethic and loving nature, Janelle’s first priority is client care and comfort. Her favourite part of dentistry is meeting new people and helping to maintain happy and healthy smiles. Outside of work, you may find Janelle exploring the great outdoors, with her adorable cat Hunter or watching Netflix.

As a recent graduate of the Dental Reception Coordinator program at VCC, Molly has grown to be a valued member of our team. She takes pride in helping patients better understand their dental benefits as well as ease any concerns they may have.

A few of Molly’s favourite past time includes attending festivals or shows, keeping up with her fitness goals and expressing her creativity through make up. When she isn’t trying out new recipes in the kitchen, you can catch her hanging out with her cat, Salem!

Mina graduated from the Certified Dental Assisting program at CDI College in 2007 and has been working in the dental field since. She loves to know she is making a difference to help diminish patient’s fears about dentistry.

She enjoys building a bond with her patients and help making them feel as comfortable as possible. She is a people person who loves meeting new people and working as a team.

Outside of dentistry, Mina loves to travel! Her desire for adventure has brought her all across the globe, most recently to Australia, Thailand, and Bali.

Michaela graduated from the Certified Dental Assisting program at VCC in 2012, and has been working in the dental field since. She prides herself on having a comforting chair side manner, making the experience of going to the dentist as pleasant as she can for her patients. She is thrilled to be part of a caring and energetic team, and enjoys seeing her workmates smile just as much as she loves seeing her patients smile. Outside of dentistry, Michaela enjoys trying new things, painting, reading and eating good food.

Originally from Winnipeg, MB, Kiran completed her Diploma with Honors from Toronto College of Dental Hygiene in 2018 and soon after joined our team. She’s been working in the dental field for almost 5 years since she graduated as a Level II Dental Assistant and then continued to explore her talents until she found her passion and pursued her career in Dental Hygiene.

Her professionalism and passion for patient care exemplify what our top priority is at NeWest Smile Dental. Kiran is sure to make your cleaning as gentle and enjoyable as possible. Outside of the office, Kiran enjoys cooking, exploring new restaurants, and traveling.

Cheriee graduated from The Vancouver College of Dental Hygiene in 2018 and has been a valued member of our family since. She takes great pride in making every appointment as fun and enjoyable as possible.

Her favourite part of dentistry is getting to know each of her patients and educating them on proper oral care.

When not at work, you can almost guarantee that Cheriee’s dog, Rex, is by her side. The dynamic duo loves to go on adventures together or just relax and snuggle on the couch. Rex loves when Cheriee cleans his teeth just as much (if not more) as all of her patients!

Harpreet graduated from the Toronto College of Dental Hygiene in 2010, and has been the head hygienist at Newest Smile Dental since 2014. Her gentle touch and genuine compassion for our patients guarantees a satisfying dental experience at every cleaning visit.

Her favourite part of dentistry is working in a friendly and welcoming office environment where patients feel comfortable.

Outside of dentistry, Harpreet enjoys shopping and catching up on her favourite shows on Netflix.