Sierra Studio - Dentists
"Here at Sierra we strive to provide our guests with the best dental care available. We’re proud to introduce our diverse team of talented, professional Doctors who love what they do and are committed to continuing education and constant growth both personally and professionally.
Come in and let us introduce ourselves,
were sure you will feel the Sierra difference!"
Upon graduating from the University of Alberta, faculty of medicine and dentistry, in 1981, Dr. Knebel worked with the Canadian Military until 1984. During his time in the military, Dr Knebel had the privilege of working under the guidance of highly regarded and experienced military dentists and was also an associate in two of Calgary's most respected dental clinics. His apprenticeship with the military was later complemented with additional education in orthodontics and an advanced dentistry program at the University of Illinois. In addition to sharpening his technical skills, Dr. Knebel's time with the military also instilled in him the leadership qualities he displays today as the owner of the Sierra Centre for Dental Wellness and the Sierra Studio for Cosmetic Dentistry..
In 1984, frustrated by the traditional doctor-patient model where the "all-knowing" doctor simply tells their patients "what to do," Dr. Knebel opened the Altadore Dental Centre in the Marda Loop area with a different philosophy. The staff in his new practice worked more as consultants in the healthcare process than traditional dentists. Their most important skill was listening - to clients' goals, values and concerns.
Once the dentists had an understanding of the clients' needs, they could then use the information to determine the best way to help patients realize their goals and bring them to a level of health that was appropriate for that point in their life. The key to the process was two-way, open communication, mutual respect and a desire to understand, which built doctor-patient relationships founded on trust. This approach proved to be highly successful and his practice quickly outgrew its Marda Loop location.
Dr. Knebel believed it was not possible for one dentist to take enough courses to truly excel in all areas of dentistry. So in order to expand his practice, Dr. Knebel brought together a team of dentists who were experts in different disciplines of dentistry that shared his vision of a dental office where dentists and clients actually talk to each other. And in 1998, the Sierra Centre for Dental Wellness opened its doors at its current location in the Signal Hill Shopping Centre.
When not attending courses in dentistry and leadership, Dr. Knebel spends most of his free time with his family. They enjoy skiing, cycling and rollerblading.
"At times, Dr. Knebel absolutely amazes me with the magic he performs. Assisting him gives us a very spiritual and satisfying feeling of accomplishment. I get to learn so much and truly make a difference."
Sierra Dental Assistant N.B
Dr. Linda Geng spent most of her childhood on a beautiful tropical island at the southern tip of China. At the age of 11, she moved across the ocean to North America with her family and has since regarded Canada as her home.
Dr. Geng received numerous awards and scholarships throughout her studies. Knowing at an early age that helping people achieve optimal health is something she wanted in a career. Secondarily, she was interested in the workings of business organizations and therefore studied at the Richard Ivey School of Business in the University of Western Ontario, where she was able to major in Medical Sciences and Honours Business Administration at the same time. Upon completion, she went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Toronto, with Honours, in 2009, while working as a business analyst for companies in the healthcare field during her summers.
Dr. Geng is thrilled to be joining the Sierra Centre for Dental Wellness. Like Dr. Knebel, she also believes that every client is unique and in order to develop the most appropriate treatment plan, she depends heavily on listening to clients input.” And please insert in final paragraph “She strives for continual technical and personal growth and intends on attending various continuing education courses throughout North America. This ensures that she can always provide Sierra clients with the most advanced and appropriate care.
Dr. Geng looks forward to using her business background to improve your experience at Sierra Dental. She is committed to continual technical and personal growth and intends on attending various continuing education courses and conferences throughout North America to ensure constantly provide Sierra clients the most advanced and appropriate care. Dr. Geng is enjoying Calgary tremendously as a newlywed (she got married the day after her convocation!), and loves exploring the city and the Rockies with her husband in their spare time.
Dr. David graduated from the University of Alberta Department of
Dentistry in 1998. Following this he participated as a general practice resident at the University Hospital in Edmonton for one year where he treated medically compromised patients. Since then he has held several teaching positions through the department of Dentistry including:
1. Assistant clinical instructor in the dental student oral surgery clinic at the Department of Dentistry in Edmonton.
2. Clinical instructor in the University of Alberta Hospital dental clinic.
3. Clinical instructor in the University satellite clinics located in High Level and McLennan.
During this time he also practiced general dentistry in remote regions such as Fort Nelson and Jasper returning back to Calgary in 2001. In 2003 he began to narrow his practice focus to surgical procedures until 2005 when he limited the majority of his practice to surgical procedures. During this year Dr. David became certified in single agent conscious sedation upon completion of the course offered by the University of Alberta Department of Dentistry. Dr. David is a general dentist; thus, he still performs dental procedures when operating as a locum. However, the majority of his work is surgical in nature.
Coming Soon...
Sierra Studio - Assistants
At the Sierra Studio for Cosmetic Dentistry, our assistants are extremely highly qualified and proficient individuals who work closely with our Guests and Dentists.
Here is what Dr. Frank Giesbrecht had to say about working with the assistants at Sierra:
"As we begin each patient’s treatment, whether it is a simple restoration to a complete makeover, the assistants at Sierra emit such calm energy and compassion for each individual. They are sensitive to the needs and comfort of Sierra patients at all times and strive to give our patients the highest quality of dentistry possible. I am proud to have each one of them on our team."
What Does a Dental Assistant at Sierra Do?
The dental assistant is a valuable part of any successful dentist office. The assistant provides support to both the dentist and the dental hygienist. Generally, the dental assistant is charged with responsibilities that are very necessary to the function of the practice. Essentially, the dental assistant handles a number of little details, thus freeing the dental operators in the office to focus on direct patient care. Here are a few examples of the type of support offered our dental assistants.
One of the more common tasks associated with the dental assistant is the preparation of the patient care areas of the office. The assistant will make sure that all instruments are kept in proper working order, are kept sterilized, and are laid out properly for use by the dentist or dental hygienist. In addition, the assistant will also make sure that medication, bibs, and other essentials intended to make the patient more comfortable are prepared and ready for use. Preparation of the patient care areas may also include such basics as cleaning and dusting the space, as well as mopping the floors.
Behind the scenes, the dental assistant also often takes care of developing the radiographs or digital x-rays that are taken by the dental operators in the office. Often, these are placed with other pertinent information about a patient, so the care provider can have a complete record of the health status of the patient. Along with preparing the radiographs, a dental assistant also often is able to prepare materials for temporary fillings and other tasks under the direction of the dentist or hygienist.
A dental assistant may also be present during a dentistry procedure as well. Often, the assistant will aid in retracting tissue or suctioning an area so the dental operator can have a clearer field of vision. Also, the assistant often hands the operator requested equipment during the procedure, allowing the operator to focus on the task at hand. It is not unusual for the dental assistant to also handle charting responsibilities once a procedure is completed, or the dentist renders a diagnosis.
Certainly, the role of the dental assistant is one that makes a big difference in the level of client care that is provided by the Sierra Centre for Dental Wellness.
Sierra Studio - Hygienists
At the Sierra Studio for Cosmetic Dentistry, owner and founder Dr. Murray Knebel would like you to know how import our Dental Hygienists are to the Sierra Team..
"Dental hygienists are the key to helping you keep your teeth for life. Each Sierra hygienist is handpicked and uniquely qualified to help our guests attain the highest level of oral care they aspire to. Our hygienists excel at;
- prevention
- nutrition
- use of fluoride & sealants
- smoking cessation
Dental hygienists are a mandatory and imperative portion of your health. Their caring, sensitive demeanors help educate and ease the fears of each guest in our chairs. Without them we could not provide the level of care that we do for our guests and I am proud to work with them each day."
What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
Along with the dentist, the dental hygienist is a healthcare professional that is able to offer services after obtaining the proper licensing or credentials from the appropriate jurisdiction. Dental hygienists will work as part of the Sierra team, performing certain tasks that involve direct patient care. Here are some examples of the types of duties that may be performed by our licensed dental hygienist.
It is important to note that a dental hygienist has to obtain formal training and education before it is possible to be licensed. Generally, most jurisdictions require at least a two year degree on dental hygiene, as well as a number of science related courses as part of the program. Generally, a hygienist will have taken courses that provide background in oral anatomy, pharmacology, nutrition, and periodontology.
Perhaps the single most common group of tasks associated with the profession involves preventive dental care. Teeth cleaning is often taken care of by the dental hygienist. Along with cleaning, the hygienist often engages in sealants, root planing, and in educating the patient in general oral hygiene.
One of the most common tasks for the dental hygienist is the administration of local anesthesia. This allows the dentist time to check on other patients and prepare for the procedure as the anesthesia is taking effect.
For many of the tasks that a dental hygienist is authorized to perform, there is no need for supervision by a dentist. In other situations partial supervision may be required. However, as more hygienists opt for higher degrees of certification, this is changing. Expanding the range of responsibilities that a dental hygienist may provide as part of the dentist office staff often means patients are seen and treated more quickly than in times past.
Sierra Studio - Administration
At the Sierra, owner and founder Dr. Murray Knebel would like you to know what he thinks of his Administrative Team.
"The Sierra Administrative team is set up in a different manor than most typical dental offices. We can only give the Sierra level of care with the help of our administrative staff, assistants. Every person here is a key player in creating joy for our guests. Drop in and say hello!
Our team is a family and we all work very hard for the exceptional care and benefit of each patient!
Our admin team members are the wiring that makes Sierra run. They keep us organized, on track and take care of all of the little things that mean so much to our patients and create the Sierra experience.
Each one is a valuable member of the team bringing their own unique strengths. I look forward to learning and growing with each one of them."
What Does a Dental Administrator at Sierra Do?
Our dental administrators handle day-to-day office administration for Sierra. In addition to receptionist duties, such as scheduling appointments and answering the telephone, our dental administrators are familiar with insurance coding and billing, dental terminology and basic dental procedures.
Our administrators also excel at greeting and making our guests feel welcome as they are the public face of Sierra and will be your first contact with our Sierra Team. Besides greeting guests, contacting patients (with appointment reminders) our administrators present basic Dental care information to our guests.
All our administrative team has strong communication skills and they will find the answers to all your questions!
Here at Sierra
we love what we do
and we think it shows!
We believe the success our office has, has had a great deal to do with a handpicked team of amazing diverse people, each with special skills and affinity for a specific aspect of dentistry.
This not only allows us to provide you and your family with the highest level of care and professionalism but also allows us to truly enjoy each other’s company and constantly grow together.
We look forward to meeting you!