About Willowdale Dental Group

Our Doctors

Dr. Dale Nixon

Dr. Dale Nixon holds an BSc in Bachelor of Science and DDS from the University of Alberta. After graduating from dental school in 1977, Dr. Nixon worked as an associate in dental practices in British Columbia, Sydney (Australia) and the GTA before joining Willowdale Dental Group. Dr. DN also is an MBA graduate with an interest in understanding behaviour and personalities.

Dr. Dale Nixon enjoys all aspects of dentistry with a special interest in comprehensive dental care. Dr. DN, prefers to have built rapport with patients prior to initiating on any course of treatment. Dr. DN is available through email and or a in person meeting at our office. Dr. DN will take a number of before and after photos to ensure each patients case is well documented and the results are consistent with what was promised.

Dr. Maryam Mozayeni

Dr. Mozayeni received her Doctor of dental surgery first in 2008 with honors from National University in Iran, Tehran. After practicing as a general dentist for several years, she moved to US in 2012 and awarded her second dentistry degree (DDS) with honors from State University of New York at Buffalo. She then moved to Canada and chose Canada as her home. She believes in providing high quality long-term comprehensive dental care for patients and their families with the latest technology in dentistry. She is an avid of dental research and has different publications in well-known dental journals. She is committed to evidence based clinical practice and deeply believes that in developing appropriate treatment plans, patient’s treatment needs and preferences should be combined with the best available scientific evidence.

Dr. Mozayeni is experienced in different fields of dentistry including but not limited to; Mild sedation, Root Canals, Pediatrics, Esthetics and restorations, Lasers and surgeries, Crowns, Prosthetics and also extractions. She is actively involved in continuing dental education both in Canada and US to further expand her knowledge for the best interest of her patients that in her opinion is essential for the delivery of high-quality health care in the diagnosis and treatment.

Beside her dental career, Dr.Mozayeni enjoys different fields of arts including performing and fine arts. She is an expert in watercolor painting and has participated in different paint and handcraft exhibitions.

Dr. David Okamura

Dr. David, the middle of 5 children, was born to Japanese immigrant parents, in Alberta. He went to Port Credit High School and then obtained his BA in Math at Andrews University in Michigan USA. He graduated with his D.D.S. from the University of Toronto in 1969. In 1982 he married Ghislaine and the following year the first of their 4 sons was born. Kori, Riki, Kasey and Kyli are now all grown up and between the ages of 24-31.

One of his greatest enjoyments in practicing dentistry is to be able to engage in conversation with patients at a personal level.

Dave’s interests include sports, casual golfing, philosophy, religion, arts, traveling and spending time with Ghislaine and the family.

Dr. Azza Elhaddad

Dr. Azza Elhaddad received her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 1992 with honour (first of class) from Cairo University in Egypt, where she also finished her Master and PhD degrees in (Orthodontics) in 1998 and 2005 respectively. She received in 2006 a membership of Orthodontics form the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh (UK). She worked as a Lecturer at Orthodontic department, Faculty of dentistry Cairo University from 1998 till 2012. She also practiced as an orthodontist in private clinics for more than 15 years in Egypt and in Saudi Arabia.

In 2012, Dr Azza and her family moved to Toronto where she obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with honour from the University of Toronto in 2015. On graduation she received 3 awards.

Now, Dr Azza holds a licence as a general dentist from the Royal college of dental surgery in Ontario. She works as a part time instructor at the Faculty of Dentistry University of Toronto, in the comprehensive care program and in orthodontic seminars.

She speaks English, French and Arabic. 

Dr. Vinh Hien Dao

Dr. Vinh Hien Dao was born and raised in France. He moved to the US to complete his undergraduate degree in California before completing his doctor of dental surgery degree at New York University in 2010. He also completed a General Practice Residency where he received further training on Dental Implants, Oral surgery, Fixed Prosthodontics, and other areas of dentistry. Since then, Dr. Dao has been practicing and providing dental services to a wide range of patients in Maine & Ottawa before practicing in the GTA and Waterloo Wellington area. Dr. Dao constantly tries to become even more proficient by learning new techniques through continuing education courses and strives to provide excellent dental care and to make patients comfortable and welcome.

Specialists

Dr. Rita Kilislian

Dr. Kilislian received her DMD from Tufts university school of dental medicine located in Boston MA in 1995. Two years later she completed a specialist degree in endodontics. In 1997 Dr. Kilislian joined a large group of Specialists in Endodontics located in Toronto’s financial district as well as Yorkville.

Dr. Kilislian’s belief is that all patients have a right to specialized endodontic treatment regardless of their financial situation. In this regard she never denies patients treatment or an immediate appointment. Rather than have patients travel from other cities to see her in Toronto, she decided to open up Kawartha Endodontics in Peterborough and North Toronto to make endodontic care accessible for her referring dentists and their patients.

Dr. Kilislian treats all patients including government assistance patients, patients with disabilities and patients requiring various forms of sedation. She is the clinical director of the practice and has multiple associates in her practices. Dr. Kilislian is available 24 hours a day to answer any patient concerns or dental emergency.

Dr. Kilislian lectures on advances in endodontic surgery to various members of the dental community and does accept referrals from other endodontists. Patients are free to self -refer in the event they feel they may benefit from endodontic treatment or an endodontic consultation.

Dr. Kilislians main interests are in research related to saving the otherwise unsalvageable tooth.

For more information on Dr. Kilislian, kindly contact our office to set up a convenient time to meet.

Dr. Rokhsareh Sadeghi

Dr. Rokhsareh Sadeghi is a certified periodontist who has been practicing in the field of periodontics and implant surgeries for more than twenty years. She received her Dental degree (DDS) and her specialty in Periodontics (MCs) from Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran, and graduated with distinction in both general dentistry and specialty. After coming to Canada, she completed her Dental Specialty Assessment and Training Program in Periodontics at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, and successfully passed the National Dental Specialty Examination in Periodontics.

Academically, she was a full-time associate professor in Iran. Besides teaching dental and post-graduate students, she has conducted many research projects and published several articles in international peer-reviewed journals. She has participated in many advanced courses in periodontics and implant dentistry to develop her knowledge and skills, which enabled her to provide the best care for patients.

Dr. Sadeghi is a member of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, Ontario Dental Association, the American Academy of Periodontology, and the Iranian Academy of Periodontology.

Our Team

Melanie – Director Of Operations

Melanie is a motivated team player, who has a passion for making a difference in the lives of patients, specifically through the art and science of cosmetic dentistry. She is an accomplished certified Level 2 dental assistant, with years of clinical chair-side experience. Her interests include, smile makeovers and restoration of edentulous patients, through implant placement.

As a diversified team player, Melanie strives to make each dental visit for a patient as positive as it can be.

If you have any questions about your oral health, she is always ready to help.

Leanne – Director Of Patient And Dentist Relations

Leanne graduated with honors, as a Certified Dental Assistant in 1996 from Durham college.

Over the years she has expanded her duties and experience gaining CDA II certification, currently has completed Dental Office Management course from University of Toronto. The part of her work role she enjoys the most is the interaction with our patients and providing them with the highest quality of care and helping them to have a positive and comfortable experience in our office.

Out of the office you can find Leanne with the joys of her life, her two sons and spending quality time with close family and friends. In her spare time she enjoys travel , soccer , exercise classes and fitness , along with anything that makes her smile.

Elise – Director Of First Impressions

Elise has been working in dental office administration and patient care for over 30 years. She is happy to be a part of the Willowdale Dental Group team. Elise will be the first person to meet you with a big smile and a friendly hello.

I am always available to assist in any questions or concerns that you may have.

Arianna – Certified Level 2 Dental Assistant

Arianna graduated from the Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and Auxiliaries back in 2014. She is a very talented and motivated team player who plays a large role in the practice. She works closely with Dr. Maryam in general dentistry, Dr. Azza in Orthodontics and Dr. Payam in Periodontics. Arianna has been a part of our team since 2017. She takes on additional roles in the office as the health and safety rep.

She is always cheerful and ready to help when needed. Loves travelling, eating at restaurants and practicing Spanish as her second language.

Cornelia – Certified Level 2 Dental Assistant

Cornelia was born and raised in the Philippines. She is bilingual in Tagalog, Arabic and English. She started working as a dental assistant in Saudi Arabia for 13 years then moved to Canada in 2008 and went to school to get her Certification for level 2 Dental Assistant. She graduated from Anderson College in January 2020 and has been a part of our team since.

Cornelia is an enthusiastic, hard working, team player and always has a smile on her face. You will find her working alongside Dr. Dale Nixon in providing the best quality care for their patients.

Mona – Registered Dental Hygienist

Mona has been working full time as a registered dental hygienist since 1990. She graduated from the dental hygiene program with honours and also earned the “Golden Scaler Award” for clinical proficiency. Mona is known for her passionate, gentle care and not to mention her great sense of humour. Her mission statement is, “if you don’t come in with a smile, you will leave with one”.

Mona believes in treating all her patients with the utmost respect. She is looking forward to meeting new faces and continuing to maintain her excellent rapport with all her patients. Mona wants you! So, What are you waiting for?

Tina – Registered Dental Hygienist

Knowing your smile is connected to your overall health, Tina will help you achieve optimal dental health with her many years of experience and caring nature.

Before following her passion as a dental hygienist, she earned a diploma in Business Administration with an accounting specialty, after which she studied Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene at George Brown College where she graduated with honours . She is continually educating herself in the dental field to better help her patients. Being in a multi disciplinary practice is allowing her to branch into different and exciting areas of dentistry ,but her favourite part of her day is still getting to know her patients on a more personal level.

During her leisure time, Tina enjoys jogs by the lake, time with her family, being involved with her church and watching her Blue Jays play ball.

Stephanie – Registered Dental Hygienist

Stephanie is a Registered Dental Hygienist who graduated with honours from The Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and Auxiliaries. Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba Stephanie began her journey through the dental world when she took a two year dental technology course in 2009. This was when she realized her passion for dentistry, which brought her down the path of dental hygiene. She decided to move to Toronto after completing her first year at the University or Winnipeg.

Her number one influencer would be her father. At a young age Stephanie saw the extreme troubles her father faced with his oral hygiene and how a trip to the dental office would cause severe anxiety. Not only does Stephanie practice with the highest quality of care, she makes a great effort to ensure that her patients are as comfortable as possible before beginning treatment. Stephanie’s big smile, positive attitude and warm personality will help brighten your day and allow you to relax during your time spent here at Willowdale dental.

Stephanie is a health and nutrition enthusiast. On her free time she is always being active, whether it be in the gym at the crack of dawn, being outdoors, or being involved with sports. Health and fitness is definitely a passion and priory in Stephanie’s life, whether it be your smile and general health or your body.

Kaori – Registered Dental Hygienist

Kaori was born in Japan and studied Dental Hygiene in Osaka. She started gaining valuable work experience at the Osaka University Dental Hospital. Kaori’s next positions were in the public health sector, traveling around Japan to visit private companies to provide oral exams and educate employees about dental health, and working in several private clinics. In 1997 Kaori decided to come to Canada on a work visa for one year. She worked with Dr. Okamura for a few months during that year and when she made the decision to immigrate to Canada in 2000, she began working with Dr. Okamura and his team as a Certified Dental Assistant Level II.

In 2007 Kaori became a Registered Dental Hygienist. She now has multiple roles as part of Dr. Okamura’s team, doing hygiene, assisting and reception.

In her spare time she enjoys camping, nature, making candles and soap. She looks forward each year, when she travels back to Japan to visit family and friends.