ABOUT US
MEET DR. MARY ANN KUHARCHUK
I perform a wide range of services and my areas of interest are TMJ pain management, aesthetic and bite issues, dental implants, and root canal therapy.
I have a wonderful team who share my vision and purpose, a great business partner, a supportive husband and family, and fantastic patients who honour me with the trust they bestow on me.
Outside the office, my kids, dogs, and husband are my lifeline. I like running in the river valley, golfing, cooking, and travelling. I feel truly blessed to have this life. I hope I can have the privilege to make a difference in your life too.
“I’ve been working in dentistry, first as a dental hygienist and now as a dentist, for a long time – more than 30 years! I started out as a wide-eyed grad and the wonder and learning hasn’t stopped. I love what I do! I help people achieve a healthy mouth and smile and that gives me great personal satisfaction.” – Mary Ann
MEET DR. JASON NIJJER
I am lucky to enjoy many sides of dentistry. In particular, I have an interest in orthodontic treatment – especially early childhood treatment and the use of functional appliances to help fulfill growth potential – and using dental implants to replace missing teeth.
Since joining MAK Dental in 2008, I have not looked back. It is truly a joy to work with such a talented team and to provide treatment for this fantastic community of all ages and backgrounds.
At home I have a wife and two young children who keep me very active and on my toes. In my free time I enjoy listening to, collating, and collecting music. Outdoors in the winter I can be found snowboarding, but you will find me biking the river valley (or in the neighborhood with child trailer in tow) in the warmer months!
“Born and raised in Edmonton, I graduated from the University of Alberta in 2004 with a Bachelor of Medical Sciences and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Since graduating, dentistry has been a very fulfilling career, as it allows me to change the lives of patients daily. It also continues to stimulate my mind and pushes me to learn and embrace new technology.” – Jason
MEET OUR TEAM
DAWN
After earning my dental assisting credentials from the Kelsey Institute in 1986, I worked in Saskatoon for a few years before moving to Edmonton and joining the team at Mak Dental as an assistant to Dr. Kuharchuk in 1989. In the many years that have followed, I have enjoyed growing with the practice and love my role as practice administrator. While my main focus is making sure that our days run smoothly, what I really love is helping you with your treatment planning. Answering your questions, helping with your insurance claims or financial planning, and listening to your concerns truly is my favourite part of the job!
LAURIE
I have enjoyed working for more than 30 years in the dental field. It is amazing to me to have seen the changes in all aspects of dental care, procedures, and technology over these years. I find it rewarding to work at MAK Dental where patient’s needs and care are put first, and the services provided in the most comfortable way possible. I am privileged to work with such wonderful co-workers.
My pride and joy has been raising my children and watching them grow and build amazing lives. I enjoy travelling with my husband to warm climates and experiencing new adventures. Music and humour make my day complete.
SARAH
I started working as a dental receptionist 12 years ago and couldn’t be happier with my decision – or my decision to join the team at MAK Dental! I just love that everyone who walks through our doors is treated like they’re part of the family. There is nothing more I love than a good conversation and believe a good laugh can cure just about anything!
When I’m not at work, you can find me enjoying a walk through the dog
park with my dog, Ella, browsing farmers’ markets, hiking our beautiful mountains, wandering the book stores, and spending time with my family and friends.
BHAVIKA
I started my career at MAK Dental as a dental assistant and after being here for more than 10 years, I’m grateful to have gained family and friends and to work with such wonderful professionals.
I’m proud to be a part of this team. I have learned a great deal about patient care and I enjoy assisting with every aspect of dentistry. I love building rapport with my patients, and enjoy working with children and assisting with cosmetic and physiologic treatments.
Besides being a dental assistant, I love spending time with my friends and family. I am the mother of two wonderful children who are full of energy and keep me on my toes.
TRINA
I have been a full-time registered dental assistant for more than 7 years and the most gratifying part of my job is communicating with our patients and helping them be as comfortable as possible. I love the personal touch offered by one-on-one care, and the connections made with our patients and the dental team are highly rewarding.
Outside of the office, I partake in my sons’ soccer and ball hockey games. I enjoy watching movies and Netflix with friends and family, weekly leisurely walks with my friends and their furry kids at the off leash park, and social interactions with familiar and new acquaintances.
STEPHANIE
I graduated from the dental assisting program in 2020, as a new grad having the opportunity to work at such an established dental office has accelerated my knowledge in the field immensely. I believe in empowering people through the journey of creating and maintaining a smile they’ll love.
Outside of work, I spend my days playing with my mini schnauzer Kaiser, enjoying quality time with my family, and sneaking in as many mountain getaways as I can.
CAROL
I grew up in South Edmonton and earned my Diploma in Dental Hygiene from the University of Alberta in 1987. Joining the Mak Dental team in 1994 was a great career decision! I’ve loved developing and maintaining so many honest and trusting relationships over the years. Some of my patients have grown from young children to adults with children of their own! As a dental hygienist, my focus is on helping you achieve excellent oral health while also giving you the dental education, tips, and tools you need to take great care of your teeth at home.
When I’m not helping people with their smiles, I love spending time with my husband, Daryl, and our three grown children. I also like sports, travelling, and spending time at the lake. When I have downtime, and they’ll allow it, I enjoy pampering my mother-daughter cats, Bella and Penny.
LINDA
I have been with MAK Dental since January 2009. I graduated from the
Dental Hygiene degree program at the University of Alberta in 2001. I feel privileged to continue providing quality care to my patients and work to make every dental visit pleasant and comfortable – much like a visit to the hair salon. I look forward to seeing my returning patients as well as welcoming new patients to our growing practice.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family. I am a
mother of 2 young children and enjoy volunteering at my kids’ school. I love travelling, baking, and singing off tune while driving.
JULIA
I received my Dental Hygiene Diploma at the University of Alberta in 2010.
Shortly after, I joined the team at MAK Dental. I take great pride in the relationships I have developed with my patients and consider their comfort and health my number one priority. While focusing on preventive dental therapy, commitment to continuing education has also been an important part of my career. At MAK Dental, I have had the privilege of expanding my knowledge in physiologic dentistry, orthodontics, and sleep apnea appliances.
In my spare time, I love to cook and bake. I also enjoy reading, spending time with friends and family, and watching NFL with my fiancé.
RIDA
I have been a full time registered dental hygienist since I graduated in 2015. New to the MAK dental team, I look forward to meeting new people everyday and making a difference in their oral health. I strive to keep up with continuing education, the latest technologies and procedures as it is an essential part of my profession and aids me in providing the best care possible for my patients. I am also certified to administer local anesthesia and provide laser therapy for my patients.
When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and occasionally bake cakes!
PAT
I graduated from the University of Alberta in 1983 with a Diploma in Dental Hygiene and achieved my certification to administer local anesthesia in 1998. I joined MAK Dental in May of 2021 and have enjoyed working in a strong team orientated environment with supportive staff. I strive to motivate, encourage and adapt patient homecare based on their individual needs to help them maintain oral health which is an essential part of their overall wellbeing.
In my spare time I enjoy making handmade items. I love all things that glitter and sparkle and am happiest when being creative, especially when the end product is embellished with rhinestones. I delight in planning and decorating for family members’ birthdays and special events.