Susan schmitz

Susan Schmitz

Greater Vancouver

Susan moved to Kelowna BC upon graduation from Algonquin College, Nepean Ontario with a diploma in Dental Hygiene. The mountains, water, and fresh air were hard to resist. BC quickly became home and her practice as a dental hygienist began. During those early years in Kelowna, Susan became involved with BCDHA where a strong network of friends and colleagues throughout the province began to grow. Moving to the lower mainland in 1985, she moved from general practice to periodontal practice. As the BCDHA representative to the Vancouver Community College (VCC) dental assisting and dental hygiene programs her interest in education blossomed into a career that is 30 years strong.

This turn in her career path facilitated a successful combination of passion for dental hygiene and a desire to seek further education. Susan completed the Provincial Instructor Diploma and the Diploma in Adult Education at VCC. From here, she launched into a pursuit of University studies culminating in a Masters of Education (Curriculum and Instruction) 2012. Susan currently is a full-time Clinical Associate Professor with the Faculty of Dentistry at UBC, for the past 8 years, following 22 years as a dental educator at VCC. Alongside these positions, she is an instructor with UBC CDE Local Anesthesia course offered each Fall. She has been active in study clubs since the mid-eighties and maintains membership with the Millennial study club in Vancouver. Working with students aspiring to become the dental professionals of the future and being able to maintain a limited private practice commitment fuel her desire to return to BCDHA and give back to the profession she is privileged to belong to.

Susan and her husband currently reside in Richmond BC. This has been their home for over 30 years, where they have been active in the community and committed to raising 3 sons. While the boys were growing, they were active in school and community sports. Both Susan and Bob have held positions with school PACs, coaching and managerial roles with sports not to mention countless hours on the road to games.