Call Us: 709-726-7330 | 65 White Rose Dr., St. John's, NL A1A 0H5
Meet the Staff
Dr. Nassim Missaghian
Dr. Missaghian (Dr. M) has been practicing dentistry for over 19 years. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UPEI in Charlottetown, PEI and his Dental Surgery degree at Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS in 1996.
Dr. Missaghian has travelled and practiced dentistry across Canada: from Moose Factory, ON to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, from Kitchener/Waterloo, ON to PEI and Nova Scotia. Internationally, Dr. M spent a year volunteering in inner-city Kingston, Jamaica running the dental section of a medical/dental clinic in collaboration with the Medical Missions Board. This clinic, located in a church/school compound offered dentistry free of charge for the local population. Following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Dr. M has made multiple trips to provide dental care to those most severely affected.
In 2007, Dr. M moved to NL with his wife Maureen where they lived in Clarenville for six years and he earned the nickname “the Iranian-Bayman.” In 2013, they moved to St. John's and purchased East End Dental.
At East End Dental, Dr. Missaghian is proud to offer his patients advanced digital technologies and treatment techniques. He has a special interest in digital dentistry and uses CAD/CAM for single-visit crowns, veneers, implant crowns and aesthetic smile designs. He performs root canal treatments, full-mouth aesthetic reconstructions including All-On-4 implant rehabilitation.
Keeping up-to date with the latest advances in dentistry is important to Dr. Missaghian, and he is always looking to learn more. He spends numerous hours each year – well above the annual amount required - attending continuing education courses and seminars to hone his skills.
When not at work, he can be found hiking, mountain biking or snow-shoeing on the various trails. He is absolutely mad about soccer, volleyball and various other sports. Most of all, he loves being in the outdoors with his wife Maureen and kicking the ball around with their three little-rascal-boys Issa, Bayan, and Manou.
Dr. Angela Walsh
Dr. Angela Walsh was raised in St. John's, NL. She pursued her education in Nova Scotia where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from St. FX University in 2000.
Angela then graduated with her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2006 from Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry in Halifax, NS.
She joined the team at East End Dental and has been enjoying her career ever since. Angela was introduced to dentistry at a young age as her father has been a dentist for over 30 years. This family connection extends to her sister Jennifer who is a dental hygienist in the same practice.
Angela has a particular interest in dental implants and has numerous continuing education courses related to this aspect of dentistry. The most interesting to date was an ITI education week in Bern, Switzerland.
She and her husband enjoy travelling, cooking, and weekends at the cabin fishing, canoeing and relaxing with friends by the fire.
Dr. Jessica Barron
East End Dental is excited to welcome Dr. Jessica Barron to the team! Dr. Barron has been practicing general dentistry here in Newfoundland since 2016. She was born and raised in St. John’s, attending Memorial University with degrees in Biochemistry and Education before receiving her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Dalhousie University. As a patient of East End Dental since her childhood, she is excited to now be a part of the team!
Dr. Barron values the importance of continuing education - staying current with new techniques to provide patients quality treatment. She is trained in oral and nitrous oxide sedation, providing additional care to patients who are nervous/anxious during dental treatment. She is also excited to learn more about CEREC digital dentistry and implement it into her practice.
In her spare time, you can find her out walking or hiking with her dog, tap dancing and planning her next travel adventure!
Dr. Zhou
Dr. Zhou obtained his Bachelor of Medical Sciences and Master of Science from Western University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Toronto in 2020.
Dr. Zhou has practiced in Toronto and Petawawa since his graduation. His partner Daria is a dental officer, and they are moving to St. John’s for her next military posting. They are very excited to explore and experience the east coast with their dogs, a lazy Great Pyrenees “Koa” and an one eyed dog “Moody”.
With a comprehensive approach and a passion for patient-centred care, Dr. Zhou strives to empower patients to achieve their individual oral health goals. He believes firmly in integrity and empathy, aims to deliver top quality treatments while ensuring patients feel heard, comfortable, and cared for during their visits. In addition, he is a strong advocate for evidence-based medicine and wishes to pursue his interest in academia and research. Dr. Zhou is fluent in English and Mandarin, proficient in Japanese.
He loves spending time inside and outside equally. If he’s not lazing on the couch with the dogs or talking shop with Daria, he’ll be on a hiking trail, a campsite, a ski hill, or playing Ultimate frisbee. He woodworks as a hobby, mainly making small gifts for friends and family.
Dr. Zhou is a member of good standing with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, the Canadian Dental Association, and the Ontario Dental Association.
Dr. Kumaraswamy
Dr. Kumaraswamy’s career spans over 20 years of clinical practice in India and academic leadership as a university professor. Since earning his BDS in 2001 and an MDS in Prosthodontics in 2006, he has made a meaningful difference in countless lives through restorative and aesthetic dental care.
After relocating to Canada, Dr. Kumaraswamy successfully cleared the Canadian dental licensing exams in 2025 and is licensed as a general Dentist and joined East End Dental. He blends global experience with a patient-first philosophy, delivering compassionate and thorough treatment.
He specializes in fixed and removable prostheses, implant-supported restorations, and smile aesthetics, with a reputation for meticulous planning and gentle care. Dr. Kumaraswamy emphasizes trust, collaboration, and clear communication in every patient interaction.
Dr. Kumaraswamy is a lifelong learner, regularly attending advanced dental courses and contributing to community health outreach. Outside the clinic, he’s a devoted husband and father: his daughter dreams of becoming a dentist, and his wife is preparing for her dental license. An aviation enthusiast at heart, he also aspires to earn a private pilot’s license.
Jennifer Walsh, Dental Hygienist
Jennifer is a registered Dental Hygienist. You might say dentistry runs in her family as both her father and sister are dentists.
Raised in St. John's, Jennifer spent several years in Halifax pursuing her post-secondary education. She studied science at St. Mary's University and Dental Technology at the Nova Scotia Institute of Technology before pursuing a career in dental hygiene.
As a dental hygiene student, Jennifer was selected to take part in a program to help alleviate the shortage of dental hygiene services in rural Newfoundland. She had a great educational experience volunteering for several weeks in St. Anthony providing much needed care.
In 2004 Jennifer received her Diploma in Dental Hygiene from Dalhousie University and returned home to Newfoundland where she has enjoyed working with East End Dental for the last 15 years. She loves working with people to help them achieve optimal oral health.
Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband, Glenn and two beautiful daughters, Leah and Sarah.
Dan Mercer, Dental Hygienist
Dan Mercer RDH, graduated from Dalhousie University in 1989.
Following his first year working in British Columbia, Dan has spent the majority of his career working in Clarenville, NL. He moved to St. John's in 2012 and has been part of East End Dental since 2013.
Dan has many interests including kayaking, hiking, snow-shoeing, Nordic skiing and flying, all of which highlight his love for the outdoors.
He is the proud father of three: Ian, Ryan, and Kaely, all of whom are attending Memorial University of NL. He is happily married to Dawn, his wife of 25 years.
Mandy Druken, Dental Hygienist
Mandy was born and raised in Paradise, Newfoundland and is passionate about oral health and wellness.
After graduating from the Dalhousie Dental Hygiene Program in 2009, she began her career as a dental hygienist right here at East End Dental. In 2012, she had the amazing opportunity to relocate to Grand Cayman. There she practiced hygiene at a general dental office on Seven Mile Beach and enjoyed the Caribbean lifestyle. She returned to East End Dental in 2017, after coming home to Newfoundland.
When she isn't at the office, you'll likely find Mandy and her husband JP enjoying the outdoors with their two children Nate & Lainey, and foolish dog Stella in tow!
Karen Gill, Dental Hygienist
Born and raised in St. John's, Karen graduated from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Arts. She then attended Dalhousie University where she graduated with a diploma of Dental Hygiene in 2000. She practiced in Toronto for three years until the lure of home proved too strong to resist.
Karen loves her job and takes great care to ensure her patients always feel comfortable and relaxed during their visit.
Outside the office she and her husband Greg are kept busy with their three children, Claire, Natalie and Ryan as well as their pampered pup Phoebe.
Chelsea Ellis, Dental Hygienist
Chelsea graduated with honours from the Dental Hygiene program at Oulton College in June 2019. Only one month later, she became a member of the East End Dental team.
Chelsea was born and raised in a small town in Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, before moving to Moncton to pursue her Dental Hygiene career.
In addition to her diploma, she also received certification in local anesthetics and orthodontics.
Educating her patients, especially children, about oral health and healthy living is her newfound passion. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her family at the cabin, relaxing with her cats, and practicing an active lifestyle.
Rebecca Ash, Dental Hygienist
Rebecca entered the dental field in 2018 as a Registered Dental Assistant, working at East End Dental until making the leap to go back to Dental Hygiene School in Ottawa. After graduating from The Canadian National Institute of Health with Honours distinction in 2024, She returned home to Newfoundland and was eager to join the East End Dental team again.
Rebecca takes pride in delivering thorough oral hygiene care while creating a safe, comfortable space for all of her patients.
Outside the clinic, you’ll find her spending time with her niece Audrey and Chihuahua, Kermit !
Ashley Savory, Dental Hygienist
Ashley was born and raised just outside of St. John’s, NL, and moved to Ottawa to complete her Dental Hygiene studies in 2011. In 2013, she graduated from the Canadian National Institute of Health, with a diploma in Dental Hygiene.
Moving home after graduation, she started working in the fall of 2013, and found her home at East End Dental in 2019. She loves to help people feel more confident in their smile, providing hygiene treatment in a professional and comfortable environment.
Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, husband Kirk, and their two boys, Taylen and Jay. They enjoy skidooing in the winter, seadooing in the summer, spending as much time outside as possible, and making memories on a family vacation!
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Administrative Staff
(Rachelle, Lee-Anne, Melissa, Nikita, Tanya, Susan and Jackie)
Assistants
(Cassie, Elisha, Brittany, Monica, Maddie, Mackenzie)
Community Involvement
The staff at East End Dental is always looking for ways to give back to the community they love so much. Whether it’s hitting the lanes for Bowl for Kids’ Sake or participating in fundraising campaigns for Home Again Furniture Bank, we love making a difference in Newfoundland and Labrador.