Get to Know Signature Dental’s Dentists based in Mount Pearl

Our Team

What Our Patients Have To Say

Wouldn’t Go Anywhere Else

“Love Signature Dental. Staff is always very nice. Pleasure to see Karen every time I go for a cleaning. Wouldn’t go anywhere else! Thanks so much!”

Great Job

“Quick, well-organized visit. Hygienist was very personable and did a great job.”

“Love my career. Can’t imagine doing anything else. I feel very blessed to have been able to do something I love,” Dr. Linda Blakey.

Dr. Linda Blakey

Born and raised in St. John’s, N.L.

Attended Memorial University of Newfoundland, 3-year undergraduate degree

Graduate of Dalhousie University Dental School since 1989

Associate at First Street Dental for 12 years

Opened her own practice in Mount Pearl in 2002

Built and moved her practice into a new building located at 890 Topsail Road in 2012

Continuing Education

Considers herself a lifelong learner

Completes more-than-required continuing education courses by the NL Dental Board, annually

Completed the full curriculum at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies

Completed courses at The Dawson Academy, St. Petersburg, Florida

Attended lectures at the Spear Institute in Phoenix, Arizona

Completed Cerec training for in-office fabrication of porcelain restorations and crowns

Committee Work

Has always been involved in organized dentistry

On committees with the local dental association and the national dental association, spanning a 28-year career in committee work

Past president of the NLDA

Memberships

Canadian Dental Association Board

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

Academy of General Dentistry

Pierre Fauchard Academy

International College of Dentists

Affiliate member of the American Dental Association

Personal Info

Married to Greg since 1990

Has three daughters who all attend university

Has two dogs and one cat

Enjoys various activities, including Pilates, skiing, golfing, bike trips with friends and travelling

Dr. Jennifer Turpin

Studied at Memorial University of Newfoundland, obtained a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in 2004

Studied at Dalhousie University, obtained a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree in 2010

Full-time practicing family dentist since 2010

Born and raised in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador

Lives in Paradise with husband Trevor, their dog and two cats

Passionate about travelling, but also enjoys spending time at home with family and friends

Dr. Soorya Gakhar (Dr. Ria)

Is known as Dr. Ria to our dental family.

Born and raised in Owen Sound, Ontario.

Was working in Grand falls for the last few years and made the move to St. John’s this past winter to join us at Signature dental!

Graduated with honours in dental surgery at James Cook University in Cairns, Australia.

Excels at treating children and adults with dental anxiety and aims to make every dental visit a comfortable one.

Trained in nitrous (laughing gas) and oral sedation as well.

Her introduction to dentistry started from a very young age, as her parents are both dentists!

AMAZING with children. She may even show you her skills in making balloon animals!

Treats all patients as well, not just children.

When not at work, she loves exploring Newfoundland and likes to crochet and make a balloon animal or two!!

Karen Peyton

Registered Dental Hygienist

Born and raised in Botwood, NL

Graduated in 1992 from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Science degree

Graduated in 1994 from Dalhousie University with a diploma in Dental Hygiene

Married to Mike. They have two sons, Mac and Kyle, and two cats, Bella and Bailee

Enjoys spending time with family at her cabin near Clarenville

Michelle Green

Registered Dental Hygienist

Born and raised in Victoria, Newfoundland and Labrador

Attended Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, two years of general studies

Started her professional dental career as a dental assistant in 1994

Graduate of Dalhousie University, Dental Hygiene diploma, since 2002

Part of Signature Dental’s team since 2002

Happily married to her husband, Wally, of 15 years

Proud mother of two girls, Erin and Sophia

Has a loveable 8-year old golden retriever named Lilly

Adopted a rescue kitten named Leroy

In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family

Renée Hennessey

Registered Dental Hygienist

Has wanted to work in the dental field since she was a child

Raised in Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Labrador

Moved to Ontario to pursue her studies in dental education after high school

Graduated with honours from Durham College in 2013 (during her time at Durham College, she volunteered to assist faculty with the production of audio clips designed for the first and second year students — these clips are still used to this day to facilitate teachings

Part of Signature Dental’s team since 2014

Completed a local anaesthesia module at Dalhousie University

Passionate about dental hygiene education and takes every opportunity to give presentations to children at local schools on the importance of dental hygiene and overall health

Has a diploma in Dental Assisting

When not working, she enjoys cooking, biking, hiking and shopping

Lacey Crawford

Graduated in 2016 from Dalhousie University.

Part of the signature dental team for 4 years as a hygienist.

Lives in paradise with her fiancé Matthew who she is marrying in a few short weeks in Las Vegas. Lacey has dog Biggie and a cat Sal.

Enjoys reading and taking her dog for a walk during her free time.

Dental Assistants

Melanie Lee, Katie Hawco, Pam Russell and Shelly Mercer

Receptionist

Dawn Coates

Andrea Holden