Dr. Carlee Held Owner
Dr. Carlee Held, brings a wealth of expertise in general, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. With a commitment to personalized treatment and a collaborative approach, she strives to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for comprehensive dental care.
Growing up in Ontario, Carlee understands the importance of prioritizing health and well-being in our busy lives. She is a proud member of the Nova Scotia Dental Association, the Canadian Dental Association, the East Coast Endodontic Study Club, the Canadian Academy of Restorative Dentists and Prosthodontists, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Carlee studied at the University of Guelph, graduating with an Honours degree in Biomedical Science and Psychology, and went on to the Faculty of Dentistry at University College Cork, Ireland, graduating top of her class in 2020. She received several awards including Best Overall Student in Dental Surgery, S. Keating Award for Excellence in Pediatric Dentistry, and Best Overall Student in the Clinical Programme. After graduation, she returned to Canada to practice dentistry in Port Elgin, ON. She has relocated to Dartmouth, with her partner Tom, a Nova Scotia native.
In addition to her practice, Carlee prioritizes being a lifelong learner. She has taken courses in sedation, oral surgery, endodontics, clear aligner therapy, and implant prosthodontics to name a few! She prides herself in listening to her patient's needs and seeking out ways she can be a better clinician for them.
Outside of her professional life, Carlee spends her time with Tom and their dog Cali. They enjoy traveling, cooking, and exploring the outdoors!
Dr. Dana Barkley Associate
Dr. Dana Barkley has a calm and caring approach to dentistry, with comprehensive patient-centered care being the priority. She takes time to get to know each patient, to understand their concerns, and to make a personalized treatment plan that fits their goals and makes dentistry as comfortable as possible.
Preventative care is at the heart of her approach. Dr. Barkley believes small, consistent habits such as regular checkups, hygiene appointments, and clear guidance on home care make the biggest difference in keeping teeth healthy for life. She enjoys teaching patients how to protect their oral health in simple, practical ways that help to make oral health feel doable, not overwhelming.
Originally from Stittsville, Ontario, Dr. Barkley is happy to call Dartmouth home. After studying at Dalhousie University for a degree in Biology, then joining the Faculty of Dentistry for a Doctor of Dental Surgery, she can’t imagine living anywhere else. She graduated with the Frank Woodbury Memorial Prize for the Greatest Proficiency in Comprehensive Care and went on to practice in Truro, NS. After many long drives, she is happy to now be working much closer to home.
Dr. Barkley stays up to date with the constantly evolving world of dental technology. She takes advanced education courses covering all aspects of dentistry, with special interest in minimally invasive techniques and restorative dentistry.
In her spare time, you’ll find Dr. Barkley cycling the roads and trails of Nova Scotia, spending time with her partner Nathan and their two cats, or in the rink playing hockey with her team.
Dr. Joanne Thomas Founder
A Grand Falls, Newfoundland native, Dr. Joanne Thomas studied at Mount Allison University, graduating with an Honours degree in biology and chemistry, and went on to the Faculty of Dentistry at Dalhousie University, graduating with her DDS in 1989. After graduation, she returned to Newfoundland to practice dentistry in St. John's, but returned to Nova Scotia to practice dentistry in Dartmouth, where she has been ever since.
Dr. Thomas continues to be involved in the dental community and engaged with dental education. She’s active with the Nova Scotia Dental Association, the Canadian Dental Association, the Atlantic Complete Dentistry Club, the Canadian Academy of Restorative Dentists and Prosthodontists, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. She has also been an instructor at Dalhousie and a mentor to dental students in her practice. She graduated from the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education in 2005-2009 and the F.O.R.C.E. program in orthodontics in 2001, and is active in study groups with the Pankey Institute and the Atlantic Dental Implant study club. She has trained at the Pacific Institute for Facial Aesthetics & Therapeutics.
Joanne understands the importance of community, both in her personal and professional life. She is active in her local community, and serves on the board of directors at CHEEMA aquatic club. Joanne stays active by running and skiing, and enjoys playing the piano, travelling, cooking and spending time with her family.
After 37 years of practising dentistry Dr. Thomas retired from private practice in July 2026.