Our Team

Dedicated to excellence. Dedicated to your smile.

Meet our team

Our Doctors.

Dr David Pampena at The Pines Dental

Dr. David Pampena

Dentist

More about David

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 at The Pines Dental

Dr. Maher Alazzam

Dentist

More about Maher

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. Adrian Palencar at The Pines Dental

Dr. Adrian Palencar

Dentist

More about Adrian

Dr. Palencar graduated from Komensky University in Slovakia with the degree Doctor of Universal Medicine, He immigrated to Canada in 1970. In 1975, Dr. Palencar founded Brock Dental and has since dedicated his life to providing exceptional service to the dental community. He is well versed in all aspects of dentistry from Implant Prosthetics, Crowns and Bridges, to his passion Orthodontics.

Dr. Palencar is an accomplished keynote speaker and continues to lecture for Rondeau Seminar, and orthodontic course aimed at educating and mentoring dentists who are interested in performing orthodontics in their practice.

 

Dr. Palencar was awarded a Master of Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD) in 1997 and received a Pinkster Award from the International Association of Orthodontics (IAO) in 2003. He is an IBO Board Diplomate and received his certification as a Master Senior Instructor. Dr. Palencar is a past President of the IAO Ontario Section, past Treasurer of the Regional Niagara AGD, a peer reviewer for the IJO and an Examiner for the IBO.

 

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Palencar spends his time with his loving wife, 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. Dr. Palencar holds a second degree black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and enjoys running, skiing, and travelling.

Our Staff.

Rosanna Pampena at The Pines Dental

Rosanna

Office Manager

More about Rosanna

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.

Sandra Pummel at The Pines Dental

Sandra

Certified Level I Dental Assistant

More about Sandra
Sandra graduated from Niagara College as a Certified Dental Assistant and has been working diligently at The Pines Dental since 1994. She takes great pleasure in socializing and providing excellent care to the many patients that she has grown to know over the years and welcomes all new patients to the practice with her comforting and friendly demeanour. She is happily married with two sons and two cats.  Her passions include outdoor activities and fishing.
Alicia Curtis at The Pines Dental

Alicia

Office Administrator/Treatment Coordinator

More about Alicia
Alicia graduated from dental assisting at Niagara college in 2016. She has been working as a level II dental assistant ever since. She loves working with people and making them feel at ease in the dental chair. She has recently taken on the role of treatment coordinator which allows her to use her clinical knowledge to help educate and guide patients towards their dental goals. Outside of work, Alicia spends her time with her husband and 3 kids.
Kiana Marischuk at The Pines Dental

Kiana

Dental Assistant / Office Administrator

More about Kiana
Kiana was born and raised in Welland. She graduated from Notre Dame College High School in 2019 and has been working at the Pines Dental ever since she graduated! She started off doing sterilization and has moved on to assisting Dr. Pampena and the associates in the office.  She has continued her training and is now HARP certified.  She’s thankful for the wonderful group of people she works with. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her friends & family.
Cassandra Stanislow at The Pines Dental

Cassandra

Office Administrator / Hygiene Coordinator

More about Cassandra
Cassandra is one of our friendly faces at the front desk. She graduated with honours from the Dental Office Administration program at Niagara College in 2020 and has been at The Pines Dental Office since. Cassandra also has a background in pharmacy, which serves as an asset to her current position.  Cassandra takes pride in providing excellent patient care, and is constantly expanding her dental knowledge to excel in her current position. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her son. 
Liz at The Pines Dental

Liz

Dental Hygienist

More about Liz
Liz has been a Registered Dental Hygienist since 1989. She attended Niagara College where she received a Certificate in Dental Assisting, she then attended Eric Community College where she worked towards her Associates Degree in Applied Science of Dental Hygiene. Liz has been working at The Pines Dental since 1990. She entered the dental field because of her passion for promoting nutrition and good dental health. Liz enjoys working with people and finds her career very fulfilling. Outside of work, Liz is happily married and takes pride in raising her two wonderful daughters.
Ashely at The Pines Dental

Ashley

Dental Hygienist

More about Ashely
Ashley graduated with honours as a Registered Dental Hygienist from Niagara College in 2011 and has been working at The Pines Dental since 2012. She finds her job to be a very rewarding experience, as she is able to improve and maintain the oral health of each patient. Ashley was born and raised in Welland and enjoys giving back to her community. She finds it an honour to connect with patients on both a professional and personal level. When not working, Ashley enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family.
Mindi at The Pines Dental

Mindi

Dental Hygienist

More about Mindi
Mindi was born and raised in Welland. She graduated from Fanshawe College in 2015. She strives to make every patient feel comfortable while providing compassionate dental care and maintaining optimal oral hygiene. Outside of the office, Mindi enjoys spending time with her family and their chihuahua.
Nancy at The Pines Dental

Nancy

Financial Co-Ordinator

More about Nancy
Nancy started working in the office since its inception in 1974 as a Dental Assistant and Receptionist. As the years progressed she obtained her degree in Psychology and completed courses of study in Marketing and Accounting. Her role transitioned into Office Manager a position well suited for her attention to detail, ability to multi-task and her excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Nancy is now the Financial Co-ordinator in The Pines Dental. She is extremely dedicated to the practice, patients and the exceptional team of staff that she works with. Nancy maintains an open door policy with everyone, mainly because she has no door on her office. Nancy is a wife of many years, proud mother of 3 sons, happy grandmother of two grandsons and a Breast Cancer survivor.
David Denturist at The Pines Dental

David

Denturist

More about David
David was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario where he still resides with his wife, Anna, and two boys Jacob and Robert. In 1995, David enrolled at Erie Community College in Orchard Park, N.Y for Dental Laboratory Technology. David graduated as a Certified Dental Technician in 1997 and worked as a Denture Technician for several years. Continuing his post-secondary education, David attended George Brown College for Denturism and graduated in 2012 on the Dean’s Honour Role. In his spare time, David loves spending time with his family and golfing with his kids.
Sierra at The Pines Dental

Sierra

Certified Level II Dental Assistant

More about Sierra

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.

Kristen at The Pines Dental

Kirsten

Orthodontic Dental Hygienist

More about Kirsten
Kirsten graduated from dental hygiene school in 2014. Since graduating, she has been passionate about the profession and always eager to train in new aspects of dental hygiene. She enjoys working in both orthodontics as well as general dental hygiene where she can watch smiles transform throughout each appointment and give patients confidence along the way. In her spare time, Kirsten enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.

Gillian Hauber

Hygienist

More about Gillian

In 2001, Gillian graduated with a degree in Dental Hygiene from Niagara College. She is a lifelong learner with a vibrant personality who is dedicated to staying current in her field so that she can provide optimal care to each of her patients while fostering strong, trusting relationships along the way. 

Outside the clinic Gillian enjoys watching her two children row competitively, listening to music at local concerts and hiking along the Bruce Trail.