meet the dental team

Dr. Michelle Thal

BSc (Hons), DDS, Cert. Ped. Dent., FRCD(C)

Dr. Michelle didn't grow up going to a pediatric dentist, nor did she know she wanted to be one, but she knew she loved working with kids. So when she decided to pursue a career in dentistry and then specialize in pediatrics, it came as no surprise.

She completed her Honors Bachelor of Science in Physiology at the University of Western Ontario (2003) where she met her soon-to-be husband from Calgary. She then returned home to Toronto where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Toronto (2007). From there, she moved to Boston to complete her pediatric dental residency at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine/Boston Children's Hospital (2009). Although tired of moving, her husband Jeremy convinced her to make Calgary her new home.

In addition to working in private practice, Dr. Michelle also works at the Alberta Children's Hospital dental clinic as casual staff. She is a busy mother of three (including twins), an ex-waterski instructor and loves to visit family and friends in the summer in Muskoka.

For Dr. Michelle, being a dentist is as much about teeth as it is about the relationship she creates with each child. Watching her patients get bigger is the most rewarding part of her career and if she can keep them cavity-free, that's even better.

VAL

Office Administrator

Originally from Nova Scotia, I moved to Calgary eight years ago for some fresh mountain air and change. After a number of years of working as an account manager, I decided to go back to school to take the Dental Administration course at M. Dent College, since then I have settled in with my new work family! I am happily engaged and a proud fur-mom of our dog, Franky. We enjoy camping, paddle boarding and pretty much anything outdoors.

EMILY

Registered Dental Assistant

I love to smile, and that is why I love coming in to work everyday and getting to spend my time helping your children at the dental office. I graduated as a Certified Dental Assistant in 2014 from Okanagan College in Kelowna BC, where I had grown up and was fortunate to work as a pediatric dental assistant for over two years. I then made the happy move to Calgary and continued to work as a dental assistant, but in general practice. I missed having fun with kids and the joy of serving them in the dental office. I am now so happy to be working at Small To Tall. Working with kids always brings a smile to may face as, though I get older, my hobbies seem to still be the same ones the kids have. I am the resident Star Wars expert and superhero fan, I love to play board games in my spare time, and getting outside to play and be with the trees and flowers always makes me happy.

RACHEL

Registered Dental Hygienist

I was born in New Brunswick but grew up in Calgary. I've always been very passionate about working with children and helping others which drew me to the dental profession. I moved back to the Maritimes to graduate as a registered Dental Hygienist in 2013. When I'm not driving my son to hockey, I love spending time with family and friends, and enjoy cooking and being outdoors.

NICOLE

Registered Dental Hygienist

Hi! I’m Nicole! I love to joke around, host dinner parties, hike and snowboard! Teeth are another thing I love because when we smile, it allows us to express who we are. A smile is one of the first ways to let someone know you appreciate them! I love meeting people and truly appreciate the differences and uniqueness of each person. I am looking forward to helping you look after your smile!

Courtney

Registered Dental Assistant

I’ve been a pediatric dental assistant for most of my dental career. I LOVE working with kids! I especially enjoy working with children with special needs, special personalities and those who just require that extra TLC. My favourite perks of my job are the random daily conversations with all ages, it makes my heart happy every time I see a child accomplish what they didn’t think they could! In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with all my family and friends but especially my wonderful husband and daughter. I love anything to do with summer and flip flops. I enjoy camping, trying new foods, restaurants, live music and travelling to new places.

Mackenzie

Registered Dental hygienist

I’m a born and raised Calgarian. I have been a hygienist for 7 years, and I love working in pediatric dentistry. I find it very rewarding to work with children – and their honesty and enthusiasm makes it so much fun! When I’m not spending time with my family and friends, I’ll be camping with my fiancé and our cat, skiing, or playing hockey!