Our Team
Dedicated to excellence. Dedicated to your smile.
Meet our team
Our Doctors.
Dr. David Pampena
Dentist
Born and raised in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Dr. David Pampena attended A.N. Myer Secondary School and then pursued his post secondary education at The University of Western Ontario (UWO) in London. Following the completion of his dental degree at UWO, his commitment to family and long-time social ties led him to remain in his home region to practice dentistry.
After obtaining his undergraduate science degree, Dr. Pampena also completed a Master’s degree in Biochemistry in 2004. His Master’s research helped to clarify the role that a protein, “Osteopontin”, found in bone tissue, plays in bone physiology. A published scientific author, Dr. Pampena’s research has and continues to have applications in the treatment of bone diseases such as Osteoporosis, Osteopenia, as well as various forms of bone cancers.
It was his desire to be more hands-on in helping people that led Dr. Pampena to pursue a career as a dentist. He graduated from the University of Western Ontario’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, but his learning has never stopped. In an ever-changing world where medical advancement occurs more rapidly than ever before, it is crucial for today’s dentist to stay up to date with current trends and techniques. As such, Dr. Pampena has taken numerous post-graduate courses so that he can provide a wider range of more specialized dental services and procedures to his patients. He is experienced with implantology, surgical wisdom tooth removal, surgical periodontics, and root canal therapy. Plus, he is licensed to provide moderate sedation in the dental office.
Dr. Pampena is a member in good standing with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, the Ontario Dental Association as well as the Academy of General Dentistry. Notably, Dr. Pampena is also one of the only dentists in the region who is a member of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain (there is no Canadian equivalent). Members of this society are committed to furthering their knowledge and treatment towards Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorders (TMD). In addition, Dr. Pampena was awarded fellowship status within The International Congress of Oral Implantology.
Dr. Pampena has been married to his wife Rosanna since 2011 and has two sons and a daughter: Austin, Andrew and Ariella.
It will always be Dr. Pampena’s goal to provide the highest quality dentistry to everyone who entrusts him with their oral care. He hopes to welcome you to The Pines Dental soon.
Dr. Maher Alazzam
Dentist
Dr. Maher Alazzam grew up locally in St. Catharines, Ontario. He completed his undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario, where he earned a Bachelor of Medical Sciences with an Honours Specialization in Biochemistry with distinction. Afterwards, he continued his education at the University of Western Ontario, where he earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with distinction. To further his training, he pursued a post graduate multi-disciplinary residency at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he earned a certificate of Advanced Study in General Dentistry. During his residency, Dr. Alazzam was trained in multiple disciplines by specialist mentors, allowing him to provide sedation options, implants, and additional procedures to his patients.
Dr. Alazzam is passionate about providing patient-centered, comprehensive care. He continuously seeks further education opportunities to enrich the care he provides.
When not at the clinic, Dr. Alazzam enjoys staying active, soccer, experiencing new cuisines and cultures, and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Kanan Patel
Dentist
Dr. Kanan Patel grew up in Welland, Ontario, and attended Notre Dame College School. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Microbiology at the University of Guelph before earning her dental degree with honours from Trinity College Dublin in Ireland.
Dr. Patel is passionate about delivering care that is both comprehensive and truly centered on each patient’s needs. She believes in creating a welcoming, supportive environment where patients feel comfortable and empowered to take charge of their oral health. Her enthusiasm for dentistry and commitment to ongoing education ensure she brings the latest techniques and a meticulous approach to every appointment.
Known for her friendly and energetic presence, Dr. Patel excels at building meaningful, long-term relationships with patients of all ages. She is dedicated to making every visit a positive experience, always striving to help patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Patel enjoys traveling, hiking, playing badminton, and spending quality time with her two children. She brings a spirit of adventure and compassion to everything she does—both in and out of the dental chair.
Our Staff.
Rosanna
Office Manager
Rosanna joined the team as the Office Manager in April 2022 but is no stranger to the office. She has cultivated 15 years of management experience from the fast-paced private consulting world prior to joining our team. She brings enthusiasm, dedication and experience to this vital lead administrative role. When she’s not at work, she loves spending time with her husband and chasing her three wonderful children.
Nancy
Financial Co-Ordinator
Liz
Dental Hygienist
Natalie
Dental Hygienist
Natalie is a 2021 graduate of the Niagara College Dental Hygiene program, awarded the Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award for the continuous display of high level competency in overall client care. Before pursuing Dental Hygiene, Natalie was a Certified Dental Assistant. She enjoys the continuous learning that comes with the dental profession and being able to educate and empower clients on their oral health. Natalie strives to build positive rapport with her clients by providing a welcoming and judgement free environment. She strives to work with her clients as a team in order to achieve healthier, more confident smiles.
When not working, Natalie enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters and dogs, baking and enjoying the outdoors.
Meaghan
Dental Hygienist
Kirsten
Orthodontic Dental Hygienist
Sandra
Certified Level I Dental Assistant
Sierra
Certified Level II Dental Assistant
Sierra graduated from Niagara College as a Level II Dental Assistant and is The Pines Dental’s newest hire. She was the recipient of the Niagara Peninsula Dental Association (NPDA) Award of Excellence and was on the President’s Honour Roll. Sierra likes meeting new people and making them smile. In her spare time she enjoys shopping and listening to music.
Cassandra
Lead Administrator / Hygiene and Orthodontic Coordinator
Cassandra is the lead office administrator and one of the friendly faces at The Pines Dental. Since joining the team in 2020, she’s become known for her approachable nature, quick thinking, and her ability to keep everything running smoothly. With her resourcefulness and dedication, Cassandra is committed to creating a positive experience for both patients and the team. Outside of work, you’ll find her at concerts, immersed in a good book, or spending quality time with her family—always enjoying the little moments.
Michelle
Dental Assistant
Laura
Office Administrator
With over 20 years of experience as a dental assistant, Laura brings a strong understanding of both patient care and clinical operations to her current role as Office Administrator, which she transitioned into in 2020.
Originally from Oshawa, Ontario, Laura moved to Welland both for High School (Cheer Cheer for Old Notre Dame!) and again in 2000 to be closer to her family roots and has proudly called it home ever since.
Joining the team at The Pines Dental has allowed her to combine her clinical background with a passion for organization and patient care. Whether she’s coordinating appointments or supporting the team behind the scenes, she is dedicated to ensuring that every patient’s experience is smooth, welcoming, and stress-free.
Outside of the office, she loves getting outdoors in the warmer months—you’ll often find her biking or hiking around the region. When the colder weather rolls in, she’s all about cozy movie nights—bring on the popcorn!
Alissa
Treatment Coordinator/Office Administrator
Originally from London, ON, Alissa moved to the Niagara region July 2024 with her partner for a change of scenery. Alissa graduated with honours in 2020 from the Dental Assisting program at Fanshawe College, where she quickly learned her passion is working with patients from an administrative side. She makes it her goal to make patients feel at ease, while helping them have a positive dental experience in the office.
When she is not in the office you can find her attempting DIY tutorials around the house, exploring the Niagara region or curling up with her family (fur family included) on the couch to a movie.
David
Denturist