Our Practice in Edmonton

Dr. David Gabriel earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Alberta in 1985. Prior to that, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, having completed secondary education at St. Joseph Composite High School in his hometown of Edmonton. He is a member of the Canadian Dental Association and the Alberta Dental Association and College.

Dr. Gabriel takes pride in striving to provide dental care in a gentle and professional manner. When he is not spending quality time with his wife and three children, Dr. Gabriel enjoys motorcycle touring on and off road.

Dr. Kevin Hamm attended the University of Alberta for his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1983. Dr. Hamm is a member of the Canadian Dental Association and the Alberta Dental Association and College. He also volunteers every year with the various heart, stroke, and cancer fundraising groups in the area.

Dr. Hamm has been with Southgate Dental Centre since June 1986. He likes the group aspect of the clinic, which offers great professional and personal support. What Dr. Hamm loves most about being a dentist is helping people achieve better oral health. He’s always happy knowing they are healthier every time they leave the dental practice. He can see his handiwork every day, making a difference in his patients’ lives.

Dr. Hamm met his wife Shauna Bedingfield at the University of Alberta where she was studying law. The two of them have been together since 1982. They own two dogs named Captain Jack and Senorita Cali. Dr. Hamm’s hobbies include sports, reading, watching Netflix, and going to the movies.

Dr. Sylvia Lau grew up in Southside Edmonton attending Vernon Barford Junior High and Harry Ainlay High. She went on to attend the University of Alberta for her Bachelor of Science and graduated with her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1990. She has been at Southgate Dental Centre since graduation and has over twenty years of experience in all aspects of dentistry including implants, crowns and bridges, and esthetic dentistry.

Dr. Lau is a member of the Canadian Dental Association and the Alberta Dental Association. She strives to provide gentle, friendly care with high standards and careful attention to detail. She also enjoys being active, travelling, skiing, swimming, and golfing.

Dr. Pheng Tan received his Dental Degree in Dundee, Scotland. He joined Southgate Dental Centre in June 1998, enjoying the nice location and big clinic. He enjoys working with his hands and the ability to help people in pain.

Dr. Tan is a member of the Canadian Dental Association and the Alberta Dental Association and College. In his spare time, Dr. Tan enjoys skiing, hiking, and various winter activities.

Dr. Kelly Acton was born and raised in Edmonton. He graduated from the University of Alberta’s Dentistry program in 1994 and has been working at Southgate Dental Centre since 1999.

Dr. Acton is a member and in good standing with Canadian Dental Association and the Alberta Dental Association and College. His favourite leisure activities include hockey, gardening, motorcycling, and hobby farming.

Dr. Daxa Thakkar was born and raised in Gujarat, India.  In 2002, she earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the Government of Dental College and Hospital of India. From there, she went on to graduate as a Registered Dental Hygienist from Canada’s Oxford College of Arts, Business, and Technology in 2007. Finally, in 2014, Dr. Thakkar studied at the University of Southern California to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She is a member of the Canadian Dental Association and the Alberta Dental Association and College,.

Dr. Thakkar started working at Southgate Dental Centre on August 18, 2014. She likes being able to work independently. As a dentist, she loves being able to help people with their pain, giving them a reason to show off their beautiful smiles. She enjoys doing esthetic fillings and extractions.

Dr. Thakkar has been married since March 2008 and has a four-year-old son. In her spare time, Dr. Thakkar’s hobbies include travelling, shopping, dancing, swimming, and golfing.

Judy was born and raised in Wetaskiwin. She graduated from the University of Alberta and has been working for Southgate Dental Centre since January 1992. Judy loves working with the Southgate Dental Centre team and the central location of the clinic.

She enjoys educating patients to help them improve their oral health. Her favourite thing about dentistry is the patient interaction. Judy belongs to the University Dental Hygiene Study Club and is a member of the College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta Fun fact about Judy – she has ten brothers and sisters.

Krista graduated from the University of Alberta in 2005. She joined Southgate Dental Centre in 2008 and is a member of the College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta.

As a hygienist, Krista loves being able to help people achieve their optimal oral health and smile on a daily basis through hygiene therapy and oral education. The best part of being a dental hygienist is getting to meet new people from the community while helping them attain a brighter, healthier smile.

Krista is married with three kids. Outside of work, her hobbies include running, skiing, hockey, spending time with her family and friends, and camping.

Tawnya was born in Medicine Hat, AB, but has lived in Edmonton since high school graduation. She actively attends continuing education courses and has belonged to the University Dental Hygiene Study Club. She graduated from the NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) Dental Assisting program and then the University of Alberta Dental Hygiene program with Distinction in 1993.

Tawnya enjoys working at Southgate Dental Centre as she has worked here for over 20 years. She is passionate about her job and working with her patients to maintain their overall health.

Tawnya spends her spare time with her family and friends, running marathons, biking, skiing, and travelling.

Wanita earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Specialization, First Class Standing, in 2004 from the University of Alberta. Other education includes Local Anaesthetic Module, a diploma in Dental Hygiene with Distinction in 1998 from the University of Alberta and a diploma in Biological Sciences, Laboratory and Research, with Honours in 1995 from NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology).

Wanita has worked as a dental hygienist in general dentistry since 1998. She is a member of the College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta and the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association. Today, Wanita still continues her education courses and has been a member of the University Dental Hygiene Study Club since 2008. She has been Treasurer of the club from 2010 to 2011.

Since 1998, Wanita has enjoyed a rewarding career at Southgate Dental Centre, surrounded by long-term staff in a supportive and caring environment that places a huge emphasis on client care. One of Wanita’s favourite things about being a hygienist is helping to brighten the smiles of thousands of wonderful clients.

Wanita’s current professional goal is pursuing graduate studies. Her other interests include coaching youth soccer, being a community league member, photography, organic gardening, and travelling.