If you’ve ever found yourself at the 3-way intersection at Dundas and Howard Park in Toronto’s west end, you’ve probably mused out loud about the beautiful minty-fresh facade on the north side of the street. That, my friends, is Gelinas Dental Studio: A Rebel-Mama-owned practice that challenges every preconceived notion you’ve ever had about dentistry.

After photographing Dr Andrea Gelinas – dentist du jour, new mama, and Monica Bellucci doppelgänger – in every stunning corner of the office, we parked ourselves in her light-bathed, mid-century modern waiting space to chat all things motherhood, dentistry, design, and disruption.

10 QUESTIONS FOR TORONTO’S COOLEST DENTIST

Q. The first thing we noticed at the office was the espresso machine in the waiting room – bold move for a dentist! We can’t help but think it must have been intentional: what are you trying to tell your patients when you offer them an Americano before their cleaning?

A. I want a coffee in the morning so why wouldn’t you?  My office is a no judgment zone – nobody will shame you for not flossing or if you haven’t gone to a dentist in 5 years.  Sometimes, shit happens. You don’t have insurance, you had a baby, you moved a million times; I’m just happy you are here today.

 

 

Q. You might just be the most effervescent dentist we have ever encountered. What gives you such a palpable zest for life?

A. The ability to give someone the confidence to smile is a gift. I really love what I do and I am grateful for every patient that trusts me with their smile and health.

 

 

Q. We always like to say that when it comes to style, ‘the devil is in the details’ – your office is a fantastic example of that. What *special details* inside your practice are you most proud of? 

A. This is hard to answer because I designed everything in the office; the cabinetry, layout, custom paint colour, ALL OF IT!

Top faves:

– the bookshelf is full of items and books that I’ve collected over the years – many flea market finds

– the kids nook because every kid likes hiding in their own little space built just for them

– House of Hackney wallpaper in the bathroom because who doesn’t love monkeys…and wallpaper

– diffusers pumping out eucalyptus so it doesn’t smell like you are in a dental office

– the art is very special to me – I have 2 pieces from Dave Todon (a Toronto based photographer), a portrait from Alex Itin in my consultation room that I got after visiting his Brooklyn studio, a photograph of an Interview Mag editorial of Kim Kardashian (my brother was chosen to custom make her outfit), and soon-to-come a commissioned piece from Ness Lee that I am very excited about

– last one: the metal/glass windows and doors were a collab with 1925 workbench to give the office that Brooklyn loft vibe

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q. The career-driven-mama struggle is real and it requires either actual staff or an iron-clad village. What does your support system look like? 

A. In the matter of a year I finished the office building reno, opened the office, had a baby and finished a house reno.  Village is an understatement.  I had to go back to work after 3 months which was the hardest thing I have EVER done.  I cried every day from July until October.  Wayne took paternity leave for 6 months which made me thankful and jealous at the same time.  It’s tough because my parents and Wayne’s mom live in Windsor/Ottawa. Day to day our chosen family is really tight.  I have 2 girlfriends I have known since childhood that live close by and we would die without them.  I am also very lucky to have the most incredible team at the office and who I trust with Nico.  They feel like family.

          

Q. What has been the most exciting moment of your Mom-life so far? 

A. Hands down watching Nico learn.  The excitement on his face when he accomplishes something is pure magic.

 

Q. What has been the most challenging part of adjusting to your new role as toddler-mom?

A. Seeing him get frustrated is difficult.  Nobody likes that feeling but ultimately, it’s how you learn and grow.

 

 

Q. Any tips out there for mamas whose teeth are prone to stains from the good stuff (red wine, coffee and cannabis specifically)? 

A. Honestly, in office whitening is the way to go.  Whitening toothpastes are abrasive and the white strips take a few weeks of using them consistently for them to work.  Who has that kind of time?  In office whitening is more expensive ($499) but the results are immediate.  It’s cheaper than botox and lasts a hell of a lot longer.

Q. What age should kids start going to the dentist? Does it have to be a pediatric dentist?

A. The Canadian Dental Association recommends at one year old- I know, it seems early.  It’s to make sure they don’t have “baby bottle tooth decay” and to give us a chance to chat with the parents about habits, snacks and brushing.  I would only go to a pediatric dentist if your dentist recommends to.

Q. What is your philosophy when it comes to dentistry? Does it align with your life philosophy?

A. It’s not so much of a philosophy for me as it is a PSA.  Knowledge about your overall health is important.  Your mouth is the gateway to your body.  All of our systems are literally attached, yet we have such a disassociated way of managing our health.  It’s not our fault, it’s a lack of education.  I often refer to massage therapist and physiotherapists for patients that clench and grind.  Comprehensive care is so important.  I try as best as I can to do the same in my personal life.  I have a naturopath, medical doc, therapist, massage therapist, etc.  It doesn’t happen at once, it took a decade for me to get to that point.  Everyone – especially women – should have an iron clad village looking after them as well.

Q. You have built this practice so differently to any other dentist office we’ve seen. Where did you get the inspiration (and the courage) to set out in such a bold direction?

A. I wanted to create an office that I would want to be a patient at AND that as a dentist, I would want to work at.  Courage was a challenging aspect for me.  Going against your industry can feel unsettling.  Dentistry is mostly a privileged male industry with very deep roots.  In my family I have many generations of very bold, fierce, hard working women behind me – that’s what pushed me forward.

BONUS QUESTION

What does the term “Rebel Mama” mean to you and why do you identify with the RM way of life?

It’s a safe space for no bullshit or judgement.  I can totally relate to that.  Motherhood isn’t all rainbows and unicorns, sometimes you just want to get down to the brass tax and Coles Notes, you know?

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GOT BURNING DENTAL QUESTIONS FOR DR G?

Drop them in the comments and she’ll answer them in a follow-up post next week!

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If you’re looking to update your dentist game, head on over to gelinasdentalstudio.com – she’s offering $75 off and a free piece of merch for patients that want to join the practice.

Feel free to show our girl some love! Follow Gelinas Dental Studio on Instagram and like them on Facebook.

xx

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Photos by Aleks Jassem

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