NHL Dentists Keep Players in the Game
They don’t wear pads or carry a stick, but they’re definitely part of the team—they’re NHL team dentists.
Team dentists do routine dental care, craft custom mouthguards, and most importantly, attend every home game, ready to jump into action when a player needs immediate attention.
We applaud these outstanding dentists for the work they do to keep our favourite stars on the ice.
MONTREAL CANADIENS
Dr. Jean-François Desjardins
Centre Dentaire Létourneau Desjardins
With team since: 1999
- Has volunteered as a ski race event manager since 2005
- Clinician at University of Montreal dental clinic for 12 years
Best memory: Coming face to face with Ken Dryden, Guy Lafleur and Patrick Roy dressed in their vintage Habs uniforms at the centennial match in 2009
OTTAWA SENATORS
Dr. Bill Henry
Marchwood Dental
With team since: 1992 (their first year)
- Studied intensively with The Pankey Institute
- Into swimming, skiing, working out
Best memory: "I love travelling with the team during the playoffs. The 2007 run to the Stanley Cup Final was a highlight. We lost to Anaheim but it was quite a ride."
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Dr. Marvin Lean
Pickering Square Dental
With team since: 2005
- Lecturer in addition to practice
- Avid basketball and hockey fan and car enthusiast
Best memory: With Dr. Goldberg spent a Sunday afternoon providing multiple root canals and restorations to a player who had been hit in the mouth with a slapshot.
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Dr. Charles Goldberg
Dr. Charles Goldberg & Associates
With team since: 2005
- On boards of numerous not-for-profit organizations
- Hobbies include skiing, golf, tennis, yacht racing, photography and history.
Best memory: With Dr. Lean spent a Sunday afternoon providing multiple root canals and restorations to a player who had been hit in the mouth with a slapshot.
WINNIPEG JETS
Dr. Gene Solmundson
Assiniboine Dental Group
With team since: Early 70s (WHA, NHL)
- 50 years with Assiniboine Dental Group
- A founding member of the NHL Team Dentists Association
Best memory: "When the Jets played the Panthers recently in Helsinki, we had a reunion of past Jets from Finland and Sweden. It was a who's who of greats… outstanding memories and great people."
EDMONTON OILERS
Dr. Trevor Ushko
Assiniboine Dental Group
With team since: 2011
- Coaches, volunteers and supports numerous charities
- Likes all sports, travelling, spending time with children, handyman work and playing with his dog Reggie.
Best memory: "Connor McDavid. The most electrifying hockey player I’ve ever watched! I also love taking my kids to team functions and them getting pictures, autographs and meeting the players."
EDMONTON OILERS
Dr. Ben Eastwood
Academy Dental
With team since: 1979
- Part of three generations of dentists
- Skis, plays rugby and hockey. He has biked to work year-round for 35 years!
Best memory: "I was 15 feet from Wayne Gretzky when he scored 50 in 39 games."
EDMONTON OILERS
Dr. Nathan Kern
Spearmint Dental
With team since: 2001
- Has made many trips to provide dental care in developing world countries.
- Hobbies include hockey, biking, coaching volleyball, playing guitar.
Best memory: "A player was complaining about a wisdom tooth after a game. They were leaving for a road trip, so I took it out in the locker room with plenty of ‘commentary’ from teammates. These guys are tough!"
CALGARY FLAMES
Dr. Kristin Yont
Downtown Dental
With team since: 1998 (primary dentist since 2014)
- Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Odontology
- Enjoys golfing, running, cross-country skiing, teaching sattva yoga and meditation.
Best memory: "We took a recent trip to China where the Flames played the Bruins for two pre-season games."
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
Dr. Jeffrey Nordon
Westcoast Smile
With team since: 1998 (primary dentist since 2006)
- Supports the arts community and many local charities.
- Likes skiing, biking, boating, swimming and just hanging out in Kits.
Best memory: "I was working the Vancouver 2010 Olympics gold medal game and witnessed Crosby’s OT winner. It still gives me goosebumps."