Heather Cooper – Dental Hygiene Practitioner (DHP)(C)
Heather Cooper, DHP
I started my career as a dental hygienist shortly after I graduated from secondary school. I always had an affinity for working with people and wanted to focus on health and well being. After discussing options with career counselors, speaking with friends and other hygienists and observing at dental clinics I chose dental hygiene.
I graduated from the College of New Caledonia in Prince George, BC, in 1996 and began my career in Victoria on Vancouver Island. I had completed board examinations for Canada, United States and Australia at the end of training and within a short 10 months I was off to Australia to complete clinical examinations and practice in a small town on the south east coast of New South Wales. Just over a year later I was back in Victoria until moving to Nanaimo in 2000. After attending a dental hygiene convention in Kelowna I came back with the idea and push from fellow colleagues to open a private dental hygiene clinic; Harbour City Dental Hygiene was conceived and we opened our doors in the summer of 2003. The challenge and experience has been incredible and I feel we have added enormous value to the dental community in Nanaimo and even more value to the people living in the community offering more access to preventive dental hygiene services. As Registered Dental Hygienists we are in the perfect position to educate our clients and help everyone reach better overall health. Prevention is the cure and “oral health matters from head to toe”.
In 2009, Heather was recognized for her contribution to advancing and enhancing oral health care within her own community, and was presented the Dental Hygienist Hero Award from the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA). Heather was nominated and selected by the British Columbia Dental Hygiene Association (BCDHA) Board of Directors as the 2014 recipient of the Diane Gallagher Inspiration Award. This award recognizes and honors a dental hygienist who has challenged or inspired other dental hygienists to make their personal and/or professional futures better. Heather was also selected by the BCDHA Board of Directors as the 2017 recipient of the Barbara J. Heisterman Award for Innovation and Commitment to Care. This award was established as a tribute to Barbara J. Heisterman, BC’s first mobile residential care dental hygienist. Heather was given this award as she best exemplifies the outstanding and unique attributes and values that Barbara upheld.
Meghan Suiker – RDH (C)
I grew up in Saskatoon where I graduated secondary school with Distinction. I shortly thereafter moved to Nanaimo to pursue my post-secondary studies and adventures that the island had to offer.
I have always had an interest in the dental field for as long as I can remember largely because I had a great relationship with my dentist, hygienist and orthodontist growing up. This positive relationship mirrored onto me and I grew a passion to become a Registered Dental Hygienist and learn more about prevention, periodontitis and the mouth-to-body connection. I completed my post-secondary education at the accredited Vancouver Island University from 2017-2021 and was a Deans’ Honour List recipient for all 4 years of my studies.
During my education I came to understand the social determinants of health. In order to help bridge this gap I feel, as a health care provider, that I have a duty to provide my services to those who require them and have trouble accessing care. This is why I feel so appreciative to be a part of the Harbour City Dental Hygiene team as I have the opportunity to support the community outside of the traditional clinic setting.
I thrive in situations where I can provide appropriate and personalized education, a listening ear, prevention and oral hygiene instruction and the ability for continued learning for myself. I look forward to building relationships with the community and seeing my clients leave with a bright smile!
Keep Your Smile Awhile! See a Registered Dental Hygienist!