Meet Our Faculty

Dr. Alexander Bongard obtained his DMD degree from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois in 2021. Since graduation, his professional interests have focused on immediate implant solutions for single tooth and full arch patients. He has extensive experience in implant surgery as well as the prosthetic component of implant restorations. He has also focused on creating a smoother transition for young dentists to become more comfortable and confident in delivering treatment.

Dr. John P. Zarb earned his DDS at the University of Detroit Mercy in 1995, followed by a General Practice Residency and graduate prosthodontic training at the University of Toronto, earning his MSc in 2002. He has been involved with surgical and prosthetic implant dentistry education at both the undergraduate and graduate level and serves as a co-Director of Genesis Continuing Dental Education and the Dental Community Resource.

Dr. Steven Bongard obtained his DDS degree from the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry in 1986. His professional interest has been concentrated on implant dentistry since 1995, including implant placement, bone grafting and the prosthetic component of implant restoration. He has published and lectured nationally and internationally on implant placement, full arch rehabilitation and non-grafted immediate approaches to implant surgery.

Dr. Freund received his MD from McMaster University with his DDS and specialty training from the University of Toronto. He practices as an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon at Chrysalis Dental Centre. His clinical interests include immediately loaded implant rehabilitation, neuromuscular dysfunction of the head and neck and minimally invasive facial rejuvenation. His research interests include innovative techniques in immediate implant placement and novel applications of neuromodulators in the head and neck.

Dr. David Powell received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from McGill University, followed by a General Practice Residency and specialty training in Prosthodontics and a Master of Science at the University of Toronto. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and has a particular interest in digital dentistry, guided implant surgery and complex restorative and full arch implant treatment.

Dr. Philip Walton earned his DDS degree from the University of Toronto and completed his Masters of Medical Sciences degree in Periodontology at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and has focused on dental implant placement, immediate loading and predictable soft tissue results associated with implant placement and restoration.

Mr. Terry Xie graduated from the George Brown Dental Technology program in 2011. He has experience in Crown and Bridge, Dentures, Ceramics and Quality Control and joined Chrysalis Dental Centres in 2013 as part of the surgical support team. He is now manager of the in-house laboratory and has extensive knowledge of full arch implant treatment concepts, digital workflows and zirconia and ceramic implant restorations.

Mr. Paul Sims graduated as a Registered Nurse from Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology-Nursing Division in 1982 and began his nursing career at North York General Hospital.

Ms. Flora Santos is a CDA II and a member of the Genesis and Chrysalis dental education team, supporting clinical and hands-on implant education programs.

Emily Schmidt is an experienced dental assistant with advanced expertise in implant dentistry and comprehensive patient care. At Chrysalis Dental Centre, she is dedicated to maintaining high clinical standards while supporting a comfortable and patient-centered environment.

Ms. Michelle Ryckman has extensive experience in the development and execution of treatment presentation protocols for dental offices. Her approach focuses on communication with patients, structured relationships and creating a comfortable, no-pressure patient journey. She has lectured extensively throughout North America and Europe.

Dr. Marc Bongard received his DMD degree from Boston University and completed a postgraduate residency program in dental anesthesiology at NYU-Lutheran Hospital. He is a recognized specialist in Dental Anesthesiology and a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Dental Anesthesiology. His training includes extensive experience providing anesthesia for pediatric, special needs and medically compromised patients.

Dr. Damlaj takes pleasure in providing a high level of treatment to his patients with a gentle approach and extensive technical skills. He specifically enjoys providing patients with full mouth rehabilitations and continues to participate in continuing education and professional development in prosthodontics.

Dr. Haas is a certified specialist in endodontics and is extensively involved in continuing education, including webinars, lectures and workshops for general dentists and specialists. He is on staff at the Hospital for Sick Children Department of Dentistry and maintains a private practice limited to Endodontics and Microsurgery in Toronto.

Dr. Effie Habsha is a prosthodontist and educator whose Genesis teaching interests include fixed prosthodontics and aesthetic restorative dentistry, including porcelain veneer treatment.