Meet Our Dentists

Dr. Nancy Vertel is a certified specialist in pediatric dentistry. She holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and a Master of Science in Craniofacial Science from the University of British Columbia. She also instructs part-time at the university’s faculty of dentistry, is on staff at BC Children’s Hospital and has hospital privileges at both private and public hospital facilities.

As both a certified pediatric dentist and a mother, Dr. Nancy Vertel understands that any health problem affecting a child has the potential to impact the entire family. In an effort to provide a more holistic approach to dental care, she established Half Moon Dentistry for Children in Surrey, BC.

Dr. Nancy Vertel is fluent in both English and Spanish. In her spare time, she gives back to the community through her work with the Special Olympics BC – Special Smiles program.

Continuing Education

• AADMD Annual General Meeting (Princeton, NJ June 2014)
• Contemporary Sedation Techniques for the Pediatric Patient (Seattle, 2013)
• Healthy Athletes-Healthy Smiles
• AADMD Annual General Meeting (Mesa, April 2013)
• AAPD Comprehensive Review Course (Denver, 2012)
• AAPD (San Diego, 2012)
• CAPD (Edmonton, 2011)
• AAPD Annual Meeting (New York, 2011)
• Hypnosis of Children and Teens Workshop (CSCH – 2011)

• Health & Wellbeing in Children, Youth, and Adults with Developmental Disabilities: Autism, Intellectual Disabilities & Neurodevelopmental Disorders (UBC – 2010)

• Introduction to Internal Medicine Series: Immunology, Psychiatry, Neurology, Oncology & Lab Studies (University of Washington, Continuing Dental Education – 2009)

Professional Memberships

• Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada
• American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry
• College of Dental Surgeons of BC
• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• Dental Specialist Society of British Columbia

Dr.Kourosh and his family moved from Iran at a very young age and grew up in Kelowna. He moved to Vancouver to complete a Bachelor’s Degree at UBC focusing on advanced organic chemistry and a Master’s Degree in Neuroscience. After completing his original research, He started a career in dentistry. Having experienced childhood decay himself, he found treating children with respect and understanding goes a long way to help guide them through what may be one of the most difficult right of passages for any person – going to the dentist. He believes that children can be more reasonable than adults if they are approached in the right way. This is why he was chosen to work with Vancouver Coastal Public Health Children’s Dental Program right out of school. As the Supervising Dentist for the program and as the Clinical Assistant Professor at UBC, he continues to help public policy around children’s oral health.

Dr. Kourosh has three children and he loves spending time with his family. He is always up for a game of squash, conversations about new recipe ideas, and to compare notes on the longest walk you’ve ever had. He looks forward to getting to know the families of Half Moon Dentistry and how he can serve their needs.

Dr. Ava graduated from dental school in Iran in 2009 and spent the following three years practicing as a general dentist. During that time, she discovered a deep passion not only for dentistry but also for working with children. In 2012, she began a three-year graduate program to become a Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry, allowing her to focus her career on caring for children and adolescents as an expert in the field.

Having had difficult dental experiences as a child herself, Dr. Ava was drawn to the opportunity to make dentistry a positive and fun experience for young patients — a role she finds to be the most rewarding part of her work. After completing her program in 2015, she practiced as a pediatric dentist for four years.

After immigrating to Canada, she completed the necessary licensing exams and was certified to continue practicing dentistry. She also completed the DSATP program in pediatric dentistry at UBC, further solidifying her credentials as a pediatric dental specialist in Canada.

Dr. Ava is passionate about building trust with her young patients and their families. Her goal is to promote dental health in a calm, relaxed environment and ensure every child has a positive experience at the dentist. Outside the clinic, she enjoys hiking and exploring the natural beauty of British Columbia with her husband.

Dr. Dutzi was originally born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She has been practicing dentistry since 2012. Shortly after graduating from the University of Manitoba, she decided to settle in Vancouver. She is passionate about helping people improve their oral health and boosting their self confidence by improving and enhancing the appearance of their teeth. Her soft demeanor and gentle care is adored by all her patients.

Dr. Dutzi is a mother of two energetic young boys, so she is a natural with the younger patients. When she is not busy keeping the boys out of trouble, she loves spending time outdoors with her family and working in her garden.