This month we feature Natasha Pelley, owner of SnuggleTooth Smile Mobile. With the help of her dog, Millie, Natasha travels to rural Newfoundland to provide dental care to underserved areas.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in dental hygiene?
I decided to pursue a career in dental hygiene because I have always been interested in the human body and have a passion for nourishing others. Growing up in rural Newfoundland, I was deeply influenced by my grandparents, who embodied caring and generosity.
I initially pursued a degree in Kinesiology at Memorial University, where I worked for three semesters. My experience as a trainer at a gym and as a physical therapy assistant solidified my love for public service. I enjoy helping clients understand what works for them while ensuring they feel comfortable and not judged. Additionally, my experience as a camp counselor during the summer months has allowed me to experience the joy of working with children.
In rural Newfoundland in the 80s, going to the dentist was not a part of daily life, and I often left my visit feeling uncomfortable and confused about what had happened. This experience sparked my interest in dental health and my desire to seek out more dental care in my hometown. Although I considered dental hygiene during my undergraduate years, the thought of moving away intimidated me, especially since there were no dental schools in Newfoundland at the time.
However, in 2008, while living in Moncton, I learned that a new dental hygiene school was opening. I immediately applied and was happily accepted. The rest is history!
Why and when did you decide to open your mobile clinic, SnuggleTooth Smile Mobile?
My mobile clinic, SnuggleTooth Smile Mobile, was on my mind long before the pandemic. A teacher in my dental hygiene class mentioned the idea a few years ago, and it stuck with me. Living on this vast island, there aren’t many resources to outfit a mobile clinic.
It took months to get a quote from a large chain, and it didn’t feel right. I spent a lot of time researching and contacted people across Canada, but there was a limited supply of used equipment here. Thankfully, the used equipment group on Facebook gave me a valuable resource.
I officially started this journey in early 2022, on my birthday. At the time, I was running a small practice in a denture clinic in St. John’s, which exposed me to all aspects of entrepreneurship. I followed the dental charity GIFT FROM THE HEART and contacted them to inquire about their ambulance. Soon after, I connected with the founder, Bev Woods. After a tour of the clinic via FaceTime, I went to the bank the next day and completed the purchase.
Soon, I was driving from Ontario to Newfoundland in a comfortable Chevrolet Express ambulance! Although city life is convenient, I hope to help towns that lack dental services, where many people have neither access to clinics nor even transportation. My plan is to travel to rural areas regularly to provide oral hygiene services.
With the implementation of the new Canadian Dental Benefits Plan, many people who could not afford medical care before now can now access medical care. I worked with the Canadian International Dental Foundation in Haiti in 2014 and 2015 to provide care to those without access, and that experience solidified my desire to serve underserved communities.
Do you have mentors in the industry? How did you find them? Any tips for finding a mentor?
Where should I start? First, independent dental hygienists are still relatively uncommon and unknown in Newfoundland, so I want to honor those pioneers—thank you for sticking with them!
This question makes my hair stand on end because I was lucky enough to have several mentors, two of whom are no longer with us. My first job after moving back to Newfoundland in 2012 was at a dental office with two amazing people.
Dr. Maureen Lawton was one of the first female dentists in the St. John’s area, graduating from dental school in 1982. She taught me so much about dentistry and entrepreneurship. Working beside her, I witnessed how she and her assistant of 30 years, Denise, built beautiful lifelong relationships with their clients and their families. They taught me how to explain the process in layman’s terms and make genuine connections.
I fondly remember Dr. Lawton calling me over during exams, often demonstrating in funny or handstand positions, excitedly pointing out, “Hey, look! See that creamy yellow spot? That’s a cavity!” Her passion for mentoring was palpable, even when she didn’t realize she was doing it.
Another important mentor for me was Tracy Baker, who goes by @itsthedentalhygienius on social media. I hired her for brand development and mentoring in 2022, shortly after I opened my practice, and I wish I had done it sooner! Our weekly Zoom meetings and her assignments taught me how to be a strong person and how to effectively communicate with potential landlords and vendors.
You don’t always have to proactively seek out mentors; they can show up in your life when you least expect it. They could be your colleagues or even teachers like those at Alton Academy who still resonate with me to this day—yes, that’s you, Mrs. Bradley! They’re amazing.
Most importantly, surround yourself with supportive people. I am grateful for my friends, colleagues, and fellow entrepreneurs like my osteopath who have always cheered me on.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
The accomplishment I am most proud of is having the courage to start my own business, doing something I love, and striving to contribute to society, even if it is in a small way. This has meant a lot to my personal and professional development. My father is a baby boomer, and he is proud of me, but also worried about me.
In his generation, finding a stable job and sticking with it for life was the norm. In contrast, my mother is an entrepreneur who owns a small store in her hometown, which has always inspired me. By opening my own practice, I have not only followed my passion, but also forged my own path and integrated the teachings of my parents.
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