You want a dentist; someone obviously qualified and experienced but it’s equally important that you choose someone you can trust implicitly. You want to know you aren’t being ‘sold’ something you don’t need and you want to know when you move forward with your treatment, you are in the best possible care. Integrity, honesty, reliability… it’s the cornerstone of what we do.
Dr. Yuro Ihns
DDS
Yuro was born in Amsterdam, Holland. He has lived in many places around the world, but has called Castlegar home since 1998. Mountains, lakes and outstanding skiing are what drew him here. Yuro enjoys everything the Kootenays have to offer with his beautiful wife Meagan and his three wonderful children Heiko, Petra and Ingrid.
In his pursuit for anything fast, Yuro also races cars in places like Calgary, Spokane, Portland, Seattle and California.
Yuro graduated from the University of Alberta in 1998 and discovered his true passion is making people smile. Changing a smile not only enhances your appearance but it can also erase years of pain in the form of headaches.
Having seen the life-changing effects of smile improvements Dr. Ihns sought the advanced education provided by the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, of which he is now a graduate. He is committed to enhancing the smiles and lives of his patients through continued learning.
Lesley
Certified Dental Assistant
Lesley is our certified dental assistant who brings years of clinical experience to the team. As a certified dental assistant with orthodontic certification, Lesley is by your side when you’re getting your new smile. Lesley has also received certificates of excellence from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Lesley is proud to be a member of a team that is dedicated to continually learning the latest techniques, which allows their clients to receive the highest level of care beyond traditional dentistry. It is Lesley’s commitment to excellence that provides clients with an exceptional experience. When she’s not in the office, Lesley enjoys the wonderful golfing and skiing that the Kootenays provide.
Trena
Financial and Scheduling Coordinator
Trena joined Kootenay Smile Studio in 2012 and is proud to be part of Dr. Yuro Ihns’ team. She enjoys assisting clients understand their insurance benefits, treatment options and helping them achieve and maintain a beautiful healthy smile! Trena prides herself on exceptional customer service. She brings with her over 17 years of treatment planning, financial experience and a high level of dental procedure knowledge. Trena was born and raised in the Kootenays and loves spending time outdoors with her husband and family. When she’s not at Kootenay Smile Studio you may find her out enjoying the beautiful Kootenay outdoors. She also has an interest in ancient history, international travel and enjoys the adventure of new cultural experiences.
Nikita
Hygienist
We are very excited to welcome Nikita to our team! Nikita is a Kootenay girl, she was born and raised in Nelson and is a graduate of LV Rogers. Nikita obtained her Certified Dental Assisting from The College of the Rockies in 2006. After working for 3 years as a CDA, she decided to chase her dream of becoming a Dental Hygienist and moved to Toronto ON, where she graduated at the top of her class, in November 2011. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, shopping, yoga, atv-ing, skiing, and camping. Nikita looks forward to treating you and your loved ones at Kootenay Smile Studio.