Our Dentists
Dr. Michele Nielsen, Owner and General Dentist
Dr. Michele Nielsen received her dental degree from McGill University in 2001 and followed that with a dental residency at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal where she gained valuable experience treating patients with a variety of dental and medical conditions. She joined the Steveston Smiles practice with her dad, Dr. Doug Nielsen, in 2002 and became the owner in 2012 and expanded the practice in 2015 with the joining of Dr. Bob Jamieson’s practice with Steveston Smiles.
Dr. Michele is a certified Invisalign and HealthyStart provider. She has a passion for early intervention orthodontics, airway health and helping people keep their teeth for lifetime. Dr. Michele is also certified to provide nitrous oxide sedation. She has further advanced her skills and training in the field of digital and laser dentistry with Solea Laser.
Dr. Michele Nielsen is a forensic odontologist and volunteers as one of the directors for the Fort-BC Society with the roles of treasure and leader of the MUPs (Missing and Unidentified Persons) division. In her role with Fort-BC Society she participates in forensic dental identification, international military disaster response training and assists in bringing closure to families with missing loved ones in BC
Dr. Michele is passionate about prevention as well as educating her patients about improving both their oral health and their overall health. One of her goals as a healthcare provider is changing people’s traditional negative perceptions about seeing the Dentist. She is married (her husband Chris is the office manager for Steveston Smiles) and the mom to two boys; 12 and 14. Her experience as a mom has made her a better dentist and boss.
Dr. Selena Chow, General Dentist
Dr. Selena Chow grew up in Vancouver and graduated from UBC Dentistry in 2004. She has worked as a general dentist in several different dental clinics in the Lower Mainland and has gained valuable experience by being in different environments and providing treatment to a range of patients.
Selena feels it is important to further her dental education and keep on top of new materials and techniques. Dr. Selena is trained to nitrous oxide sedation and can provide oral sedation for patients that are anxious about dental treatment. She is a certified as a Solea Laser and Invisalign provider.
After having some great instructors in dental school, Selena felt she wanted to contribute to her alma mater by volunteering as an instructor. She has taught in the third year “dental bootcamp” module where dental students pick up instruments for the first time and practice their skills on mannequins and plastic teeth. As well, she has taught in the Vancouver Dental Hygiene College, instructing hygiene students at all levels on extraoral exams, intraoral exams, taking xrays and evaluating xrays. Selena also led the local anaesthetic module and carried out demonstrations.
Selena has previously volunteered her as the team dentist of Burnaby Lake Rugby Club, attending games and providing emergency treatment to players at all levels. She also provided regular preventative care for the players and has made many sportsguards.
When not working, Selena enjoys spending time with her 2 daughters and her three cats. They spend many weekends camping and enjoying the BC wilderness. Additionally, she enjoys knitting, sewing, making jewelry and cooking for her family.
Dr. Sajjal Pirzada, General Dentist
Dr. Sajjal Pirzada graduated from University College Cork in Ireland where she obtained her degree in dentistry. She enjoyed her four years in Ireland learning from her various mentors and working with all types of patients in University Cork Dental Hospital. She was also a part of UCC dental society as a student liaison. Prior to moving to Ireland, she attended the University of British Columbia to obtain her Bachelor of Science degree. She has always had a passion for working in healthcare with a desire to help others. Dr. Sajjal is a certified Minimal and Nitrous Oxide sedation provider and certified Invisalign provider.
Dr. Pirzada is fluent in Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi. Since returning to Canada, she is working as an associate dentist and is registered with the College of Dental Surgeons of BC. Her goal is to build solid relationships with her patients so she can help them feel their best in the dental chair. She understands the needs of various communities from serving patients abroad as well as back at home in Canada. She keeps up to date with the best dental practices by taking professional development courses.
Dr. Pirzada is a big basketball fan and enjoys playing soccer and tennis. She loves travel, photography and spending time with her family
Dr. Casi Sutherland, General Dentist
Dr. Casi Sutherland grew up in a small town in Nova Scotia. Ready for something busier, she moved to Toronto to complete her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Following dental school, Dr. Casi continued West to Vancouver to complete a one year General Practice Residency with UBC.
During her residency, she had the opportunity to treat complex cases through various rotations at VGH, UBC Hospital, long term care homes, BC Cancer and BC Children’s Hospital. In addition to working at Steveston Smiles Dr. Casi will also be working as a staff dentist with the UBC Geriatric Program. She looks forward to building trusting relationships with her patients and providing the best care available. Dr. Casi is a certified in minimal sedation and Invisalign provider.
Outside of work, Casi enjoys spending time with her friends and family. Being new to the West Coast, she is often in the mountains, whether it is a ski day or hiking and camping.
Dr. Kristina Mistry, General Dentist
Dr. Kristina Mistry was born and raised in Steveston, Richmond. A returning team member, Dr. Kristina’s journey in dentistry began in 2010 when she joined Steveston Smiles as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
She completed a bachelor’s degree double major in anthropology and psychology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Dr. Kristina graduated from UBC Dentistry in 2024 and received a warm welcome back to her Steveston Smiles family – but in a new role. She is trained in minimal sedation including nitrous oxide sedation.
In her spare time, Dr. Kristina enjoys spending time with family and friends but would never turn down alone time with a good book or a new Netflix series. She is married to her high school sweetheart, and they reside in beautiful Ladner where they take their dog out to enjoy the many trails offered
Dr. Doug Nielsen, General Dentist
Dr. Doug Nielsen is the founder of Steveston Smiles. Dr. Doug retried from working at Steveston Smiles in May 2022.
Dr. Doug grew up in Richmond, graduated from UBC Dental School in 1972, and opened his Steveston practice the following year. His passion for dentistry is evident in every aspect of his life. Dr. Doug’s exceptional achievements and leadership in his profession and the community have earned him many prestigious awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal presented by the Lieutenant Governor, the UBC Community Outreach Award, and the Dr. Paul Rondeau Humanitarian Award. In 2008, Dr. Doug was honoured by colleagues throughout North America with a Fellowship in the American College of Dentists for his ethics, professionalism, and excellence in dentistry. He is also a past president and active member of the Vancouver and District Dental Society. When Dr. Doug realized the great need for dental care in marginalized populations, (both internationally and in his own “back yard”) he took action and is proud to be the founder and president of The Dental Mission Project Society. Dr. Doug and his wife, Susan, are enjoying spending time with my family, going for long walks, gardening, golfing, cooking, travelling and volunteering.