Dr. Jody Varughese, DDS
Before earning her degree in dentistry from the University of Alberta in 2001, Dr. Jody Varughese spent five years as a dental hygienist. Having practised dentistry since 2001, Dr. Varughese still stresses the importance of hygiene and preventive care to all her patients. She conducts thorough examinations, assessing risk factors for diseases, and educates patients on treatment options and prevention. Her goals as a dental professional include improving the overall health of her patients through proper oral care.
Many of Dr. Varughese’s patients at Petrolia Dental have a long history at the clinic. Multi-generational extended families, including cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents, are common patients at our practice. Dr. Varughese upholds a tradition of treating her patients as if they were members of her own family. This attitude toward oral care at Petrolia Dental is what keeps generations of patients coming back.
Dr. Varughese is passionate about screening patients for signs of sleep disordered breathing (Upper Airway Resistance and Sleep Apnea) and love helping improve sleep with appliance therapy and referrals to other professionals for CPAP and other sleep help. She is also passionate about the role of diabetes in dental disease, and is an active and strong supporter of the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Outside of the dental office, Dr. Varughese can be found spending time with her precious young sons and husband, especially watching her older son play as a hockey goalie. Both she and her husband are big Edmonton Oilers fans. Dr. Varughese stays active by practising pilates and yoga, reading, and hosting dinner parties for family and friends.
Dr. Rachelle Carson, DDS
Dr. Rachelle Carson is a caring and empathetic dentist whose number one priority is patient comfort and satisfaction. Dr. Carson graduated from the University of Alberta in 2001, and is also certified to perform Invisalign® treatments.
She enjoys every aspect of her job, particularly administering cosmetic procedures that can beautify smiles such as Invisalign®, porcelain crowns, and veneers. Especially rewarding is witnessing satisfied patients leave her chair, no longer embarrassed to share their beautiful new smiles with the world.
She is also an advocate for dental hygiene and prevention. With two daughters of her own, Dr. Carson enjoys communicating the importance of oral health to children and teenagers, and meeting kids and their families. She’s cared for many children in the past, from toddlers through to their high school years.
Dr. Carson has lived in Terwillegar for over 30 years, and sees her valued patients as members of an extended neighbourhood she is proud to serve.
When she’s not at the office treating patients, Dr. Carson enjoys spending time with family, travelling, practicing Pilates, reading, and cheering on the Oilers.
Dr. Sameer Syed
Meet Dr. Sameer Syed, a dentist who’s never, ever had a cavity.
But don’t let that intimidate you—it’s not simply because he’s so passionate about dental hygiene. He readily admits there’s a bit of luck behind his dental dominance.
“I inherited some good genes!”
That’s right—getting a cavity now and then shouldn’t get you down. There’s more to it than just dedication to tooth greatness. But of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep brushing and flossing for optimum periodontal health!
Boyhood trips to the dentist in Scarborough, Ontario, sparked Dr. Syed’s love of dentistry. Yes, you read that right—Dr. Syed actually enjoyed going to the dentist. The office was clean, it smelled good, and the dental technology impressed him.
“They were always really nice to me, too. All these things were positives to me, seeing what dentistry was all about. That played a big role in me wanting to become a dentist.”
Dr. Syed is a real knockout, too. No, not like that! He’s focused his dental career on sedation dentistry, caring for some of the most anxious patients who walk through our doors.
“I really want to get them to a place where they’re comfortable, so they actually look forward to coming—like I did. That’s really gratifying.”
With an arsenal of tools at his disposal—medication, nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and his soothing, calm voice—Dr. Syed helps even the most nervous patients feel at ease. And yes, he’s also just a super nice guy!
Dr. Syed graduated from dental school in Buffalo, New York, in 2004, and shortly after began practicing in Red Deer. We’re thrilled to have him as part of the Petrolia Dental team.
Outside of work, Dr. Syed has taken up cycling and spends a lot of time in Edmonton’s River Valley. He’s also an avid ball hockey player.
Healthy body, healthy mind!
*services provided by general dentists