Our Dentists
Dr. Kean Dentist
Dr. Kean bought Poplar Dental Centre in 1996. He holds a bachelor of science degree (1985) and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (1990) from Dalhousie University. He’s a high-educated dentist who takes a compassionate and conservative approach to preventative dentistry.
Dr. Kean has built a strong reputation as a caring and easygoing dentist who believes in providing quality service and takes the time to make sure his patients are relaxed and comfortable.
Dental Professionals
Christy Registered Dental Hygienist
Kirsty Registered Dental Hygienist
Kirsty started at Poplar Dental in 2023. She graduated from Vancouver Island University with honours in 2008. Since then, she has embarked on a dental hygiene career that has taken her to Victoria, Vancouver, and Calgary. However. she eventually returned to Victoria and is happy to be back. She’s an active member of the Canadian Dental Hygiene Association (CDHA), the BC Dental Hygiene Association (BCDHA), and the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).
Outside work, Kirsty loves to camp, spend time with her friends and family, tend her garden, and work on her house. She lives just a few blocks from our office, and is grateful for the opportunity to work in a neighbourhood she loves and be able to walk to work every day.
Shannon Registered Dental Hygienist
Shannon was raised in Victoria. She attended Camosun College, where she graduated from the Certified Dental Assistant program in 1995. She worked as a dental assistant until 2003 when she returned to Camosun to complete a diploma in Dental Hygiene. During her studies, she was awarded the Highest Overall Achievement Award and the Barbara Ferris Memorial Award for high academic standing, clinical achievement, and classroom contribution. After working at other practices in Victoria, she settled at Poplar Dental, 5 minutes from her home
James Certified Dental Assistant
James is someone whose life is pretty much defined by a love for travel. He grew up in the Philippines, but moved to Canada with his family when he was 18—being close to family continues to mean a lot to him. He completed the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) program at Camosun College, and worked at a number of Victoria clinics before joining the Poplar team in 2022.
When not working he loves to—you guessed it—travel around the Island and the U.S., mostly hunting for the next great campground. And his next excursion promises to be the most far-flung yet—he plans to drive down the Oregon coast all the way to Los Angeles. Once he does, the next adventure awaits!
Keeley Dental Assistant
Keeley began working at Poplar Dental on Halloween, but there’s nothing spooky about why she enjoys her work. A lot of her family work in dental professions, so it’s almost natural that she’d end up in it too. As a matter of fact, she’s so passionate about her work, she’s even advancing her education by taking dental hygiene classes.
Keeley grew up in Auckland, New Zealand, but now lives in Victoria’s Cook Street Village with her three cats. In her free time she can be found exploring tide pools looking for sea life, and she has some relevant advice for friends and patients—only ask her about this hobby if you’re prepared for a long answer, because she’ll give you as many fish facts as often as she can!
Office Staff
Tatiana Office Manager
Tatiana has been managing offices for over 15 years, first in Calgary, where she grew up, now here in Victoria, where her husband grew up. She joined the Poplar team in 2022, and quickly gained a reputation as the go-to insurance guru—she loves nothing more than helping patients understand their coverage and answering questions about their plans.
Outside of work, Tatiana and her husband Matt enjoy spending time with their daughter Olivia, hanging out at local pools and parks, walking their two Maltese Yorkies, and discovering new cafés—ideally ones that are dog friendly. And when she needs some alone time, Tatiana makes beaded bracelets and organizes her 200-pair Sweetlegs collection!
Mareike Front Desk Admin
Mareike has been with Poplar Dental since 2023, and has been living in Victoria since 2021. She loves living near the ocean, so Victoria is the perfect fit. And she’s loved going to the dentist for as long as she can remember—so it was only a matter of time before she found her career in dentistry!
When Mareike isn’t working with Poplar’s wonderful patients she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. She also recently discovered a new passion for boxing, and is loving how good it feels to get strong. But when not throwing punches, she imagines how nice it would be to start sewing quilts—so a second hobby may be on the horizon!