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
Check out what some of Dr. Murrays patients had to say!
"What a gift, I cant stop grinning!"
I am truly amazed with the results of my recent orthodontics and the astonishing transformation of my smile. Experiencing the “new” smile has made me aware of how uncomfortable I was with the old one. Normally a modest person I wouldn’t dream of boasting, but my new smile is actually dazzling!
The process naturally seemed long, but if I would have decided against it the time would have passed anyway and I wouldn’t have these happy results. It has, indeed, been worth it. These results, as well as the improved dental health are clearly the best of all outcomes. I especially appreciate the support I received from everyone to guide me past my initial reluctance.
I have so much admiration for the remarkable skill and expertise in Dr. Knebel’s part, and on Lenore’s and on all the others I didn’t meet personally but are so important to the process. Wearing the braces was not the major inconvenience I had expected, nor was it distractingly uncomfortable.
Over the months I wondered many times what the results would be. Who reaches this age without a degree of skepticism? The results have exceeded even my most optimistic expectations.
Thank you!
Michelle Cook
"Longstanding headaches have gone away"
I write this letter as a thank you, to you and your staff and as a testimonial for the high regard I have for the knowledge, skills and capabilities you possess as a dental practitioner specializing in Restorative Dentistry.
For many of years I had been plagued with excessive wear on my teeth due to bite misalignment and night grinding. This had caused me to fracture a number of molars and the wear on my front teeth had reached a stage where the damage was visibly apparent. I was embarrassed to show my teeth when I smiled.
Much more than just the cosmetic, I also suffered from constant,painful headaches/migraines from the excessive clenching. I had sought treatment options from a variety of specialists in Calgary who had proposed bite alignment and a restorative plan for my teeth. After many consultations, I felt that with your broad base of experience and the confidence you had shown, that the treatment plan you proposed would give me the best chance of alleviating my issues and restoring my smile.
Since undergoing the full reconstruction of my dental work, I must say the change has been amazing. My teeth have been restored to a very natural looking state where I am proud to showoff my teeth now and receive many compliments now on my smile. I feel very comfortable with the alignment, no longer feel a need to gnash or grind my teeth and most importantly, my longstanding headaches have gone away as has my penchant for pain relievers.
In closing, I would like to state that I am extremely pleased with my results. I would highly recommend you to anyone who is looking for relief from the perils of night grinding and seeking to have their dental work restored. The change has been amazing and I can’t thank you enough!
Best Regards,
Kevin King
"Integrity, professional ethics & standard"
Several years ago, excessive grinding of my teeth has caused severe wear to enamel and exposed dentin. My teeth were pretty much flattened out. I used to feel embarrassed even to open my mouth and smile. I could not even chew the food properly. Finally, in August of 2007 I decided to see Dr. Knebel about the reconstruction of my teeth. It took me few months to decide to proceed with the treatment.
In January 2008, Dr. Knebel started the reconstruction of my teeth. It took six months for the procedure to complete which involved inserting 26 crowns and one implant.
This was one of the best decisions I made in my life to have my teeth reconstructed and especially having Dr. Knebel to perform this treatment. Dr. Knebel demonstrated a best example of professionalism every step of the way. The thing I will remember most about this treatment is when Dr. Knebel observed a miniscule discrepancy while inserting upper crowns and he decided to have all the upper crowns re-done again. He wanted a perfect fit of upper crowns with the lower crowns. By doing so he demonstrated the highest interity, professional ethics and standard.
Yash P. Malhotra P.Eng
How braces changed my life…
When I first moved to Canada my teeth fit into the British stereotypical category of crooked and crowded. It never occurred to me that I could have them fixed, until I was actually sat in the office with pink gunk being forced into my mouth, for dental impressions. The two years of braces were painful at times, and not to mention very inconvenient when you wanted to eat a whole apple or popcorn, but I wouldn’t change any of it for the world. Looking back at pictures of myself in grade eight, you can see how my jaw was off centre, and my teeth all shifted to one side. You compare it to a picture of me now and the difference is amazing. I have obviously grown in the last five years, since the pictures were taken, but you can still see the transformation. And this may sound crazy, but now when I’m smiling for a photo it’s a natural smile, not one where at the time you were saying to yourself, “I really hope this turns out better than the last picture.” And even then, before braces very few pictures showed my teeth. Most were a somewhat forced smile with my lips pressed together. No longer do I fit into the stereotypical group of British with bad teeth. People hear the accent but are confused by the fantastic smile. I find myself smiling all the time, and that’s no exaggeration. Even two years later, after having my braces removed, I still get compliments. People who have known me for ages still, when talking to me, stop me mid-sentence and say, “Wow, your teeth are perfect” It always manages to make my day and I absolutely love my smile now.
Amie Harrison
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.
Dr. Adriana Sopruniuk was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta and attended the University of Alberta. She graduated with both her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees. She is fluent in Polish and Ukrainian.
Dr. Sopruniuk is a member of the:
- Calgary and District Dental Society;
- Alberta Dental Association and College; and
- Canadian Dental Association.
Dr. Sopruniuk has also traveled to Central America with Kindness in Action, a dental mission providing free dental care to less fortunate people in Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua.
Dr. Sopruniuk has taken advanced training in the field of cosmetic dentistry, including comprehensive implant dentistry at the Alberta Dental Implant Academy.
From her years of experience and focus on cosmetic dentistry, patients and their families that desire a beautiful smile often seek out Dr. Sopruniuk. She adds a very personal and gentle touch to all of her patients and puts in extra effort to ensure that patients are comfortable and pain-free. She takes time to get to know her patients and tailor her care to a patient’s unique needs and always carefully explains the array of treatment options available.
When Dr. Sopruniuk isn’t working or chasing her two young children, she enjoys traveling, reading, golfing and running.
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!