In the 1950’s, nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, the story of Okanagan Dentistry unfolds—a tale of dedication, family, and a commitment to exceptional dental care that has spanned generations.
It all began with Dr. Malcolm Leitch, affectionately known as "Mac." Mac and his wife, Joan, settled in Kelowna in 1955, bringing with them a passion for dentistry and a vision to provide top-notch dental care to their community. They raised their three children, Malcolm, Ian, and Melanie, amidst the beauty and abundance of the Okanagan, laying the foundation for a legacy of smiles.
Mac's journey started small, operating his practice out of the humble "Harvey Ellis" building. Word of mouth and a genuine dedication to compassionate care quickly garnered trust among the local residents. These principles became the bedrock of the practice's reputation.
The Leitch legacy didn't stop with Mac. Ian and Melanie followed in their father's footsteps, pursuing dental education at UBC Dentistry and UBC Dental Hygiene, respectively. After honing their skills in Fort Nelson. Ian and his wife, Theresa, a dental hygienist, returned to Kelowna. Ian purchased a practice from one of his father's colleagues, Dr. Harold Henderson, using Mac's humble beginnings and strong values as his guiding light.
With a commitment to innovation, Ian invested in the latest dental technology and continued his education, learning from mentors including Dr. Richard Tucker (gold study club), Dr. Norm Ickert and most notably, Dr. John Kois. The practice expanded its offerings to encompass a wide range of treatments, from routine cleanings to advanced cosmetic procedures. It truly became a family affair, with Theresa working behind the scenes and Melanie working as a dental hygienist. Melanie continued her career at Okanagan Dentistry until she retired in 2023.
As the practice grew, so did its family of staff and associates. Dr. Tom Martin, Dr. David Bobyn, Dr. Andy Macdonnell, Dr. Hilary Pada, Dr. Angelyn Salaberry, and Dr. Iain Hart were all dentists who at one time were part of the Okanagan Dentistry team. Evan Wiens, a promising new associate, showcased his exceptional leadership skills when Ian had to take some time off to recover from a car accident.
Associates came and went, but Ian and Evan were determined to find the right fit for their growing practice. The clinic evolved into Okanagan Dentistry, welcoming Dr. Natashia Bose-Roberts and Dr. Jessica Reimer, both brilliant and dedicated dentists.
In 2017, Evan took the reins as the owner of Okanagan Dentistry. The practice was thriving until the unexpected arrival of COVID-19 in March 2020. The office closed temporarily, forcing Ian to reflect on his career. Eventually, he decided to retire from dentistry, confident in the capable leadership of Evan and Jen Wiens, and the resilience of their team.
In March 2022, Dr. Natashia Bose-Roberts became a co-owner of the practice with Dr. Evan Wiens, creating a dynamic duo poised to lead Okanagan Dentistry in the post-COVID world. Some other highlights through the years of Okanagan Dentistry include;
Throughout its history, Okanagan Dentistry has maintained a family-friendly atmosphere, treating generations of families. Their core values of excellence, integrity, relationships, and teamwork have guided them in their mission to improve lives through dentistry.
As Okanagan Dentistry looks toward the future, it continues to evolve, with a team of highly skilled and compassionate professionals and a commitment to staying at the forefront of dental advancements. The practice remains dedicated to serving the Okanagan community for generations to come, carrying forward the legacy of smiles inspired by Mac and Ian.
