Our Staff | Diamond Head Dental

Keith grew up in Newfoundland and completed his undergraduate training at Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB. He graduated from there with honours in Biochemistry and also won an award for student leadership due to his involvement with both the men's and women's rugby teams. During this period he also played for the Newfoundland provincial rugby team. Following graduation, Keith undertook his dentistry training in Halifax in 2001, at which point he achieved several honours, including being voted valedictorian of his graduating class by his peers, as well as awards for achieving a high grade point average, for achievement in research and for excellence in orthodontics. Keith decided to come to British Columbia to do an optional year-long residency program through UBC and the Vancouver General Hospital where he received some advanced training in all aspects of general dentistry, but with an emphasis on oral surgery, oral pathology, and hospital-based dentistry. Keith was also the recipient of the top research award during his time in Vancouver for his research on trigeminal neuralgia, and completed training in nitrous oxide and conscious sedation. Keith has been in Squamish and working at Diamond Head Dental since September of 2006. He enjoys running and mountain-biking in the summers and skis in the winter. He is also an avid music-lover and frequently attends shows and festivals. He and his girlfriend Emilie are proud parents of two twin daughters, Charlotte and Claire.

Jake grew up in the Sea to Sky region and is an avid skier and mountain biker. He followed in his father, Bruce Bessie's, footsteps to become a dentist and completed his undergraduate training at the University of Victoria and his dental degree at the University of British Columbia. While at school, Jake won awards for excellence in both oral surgery and prosthodontics (restorative dentistry). Jake established Diamond Head Dental, in 2005. He currently practices all types of dentistry, but has a particular affinity for cosmetic and implant dentistry. He has recently been granted Fellowship status in Implant Dentistry from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists(ICOI). Jake's wife, Fern, is an emergency physician in Whistler and he has two daughters.

Jana completed her dental hygiene training in Edmonton at the University of Alberta. She has practiced hygiene both there and in British Columbia, but has been Dr. Bessie's full-time dental hygienist since Diamond Head Dental opened its doors in 2005. Jana loves living and working in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. Like many of the people in our community, she is an outdoor enthusiast. She enjoys hiking, golfing, gardening, and yoga in the summer; while new powder days always take up her free time in the winter. She feels that working at Diamond Head Dental has been an awesome experience. She loves its state-of-the-art facility, its fun, friendly staff, and its excellent group of patients who always keep her smiling. She is looking forward to her future appointments and meeting more of the community.

Jenny was born in Sweden, but is now a resident of Squamish. She is a graduate of the Vancouver College of Dental Hygiene and started working at Diamond Head Dental in early 2010. Jenny is a gentle hygienist and is very passionate about her work and helping patients to achieve optimum health. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys spending time with her husband, skiing, mountain biking and surfing.

Tania was born in Kelowna and has lived in the Sea to Sky Corridor since 2001. She completed her Dental Receptionist Certification in 2003 and started at Diamond Head Dental, as their office manager, in March of 2005. You will see Tania at the front desk sharing the duties with Michelle, but her job also involves bookkeeping and managing the clinic. When she isn’t working, Tania enjoys snowboarding, dirt biking, mountain biking and dog training/walking.

After graduating from Vancouver Community College’s Certified Dental Assisting program in 2001, Michelle spent a few years working outside of the field of dentistry. However, deciding to make use of her educational background, Michelle came back to dentistry and began working at Diamond Head Dental in October 2007. She currently shares the reception duties with Tania. Michelle has lived in Squamish since she was 5 years old. She enjoys playing softball, golfing, hunting, attempting to ski and spending time with her husband, their 'fur-children' and the great outdoors.

Angela is a very enthusiastic and energetic member of the Diamond Head Dental team. She completed the CDA program at Comosun College in May of 2007 and graduated from UBC's Certified Orthodontic Module course in the summer of 2008. She chose to become a Certified Dental Assistant to be involved in health care and help people within her community. Growing up in Canada's recreation capital, she has been heavily involved in all that Squamish has to offer. She likes to spend her down time with friends hiking, snowboarding and biking the local mountains. Angela has also been a committed volunteer with her local Coast Guard Auxiliary and with Emergency Social Services. Being involved in the local community and having a mature outlook, coupled with a youthful attitude, allows her to relate to patients of all ages.

Christine was born and raised in Squamish BC. She has been working in the field of dentistry since 2002. She started out as a dental receptionist and chair-side assistant and enjoyed it so much that she decided to return to school and become a Certified Dental Assistant. Shortly after finishing her program in 2006, Christine joined the team at Diamond Head Dental. She enjoys being in an office that has up-to-date technology and always looks forward to coming to work each day and interacting with the great patients and staff of the clinic. When not working, Christine enjoys yoga, hiking, tennis, working out and also has a passion for travel.