Our goal is to work with you, in a partnership, to help you achieve and maintain optimum, long term oral health. Our responsibility is to give you the information you need to make informed decisions about matters affecting your dental health. We hope you'll feel free to ask us questions, when you are uncertain about any procedures.
Our approach is to resolve current dental problems by bringing active disease under control, and then to identify ways to avoid future problems. This is the essence of preventive dentistry, which involves you as a significant determinant of your dental health. With the right information and conscientious application of correct techniques, you can preserve your natural teeth for life.
Dr. Patricia A. Hunter
Born and raised in Dawson Creek, Patricia Hunter began her career in dentistry by working as a dental assistant during high school. After receiving her Diploma in Dental Hygiene from UBC in 1972, she practiced for six years in both general and periodontal offices.
In 1978, she returned to UBC to study Dentistry, graduating from the Faculty of Dentistry in 1983 with the Gold Medal as the top student in the graduating class. Upon graduation, Dr. Hunter traveled to Tumbler Ridge with a mobile dental unit and became that community's "first" dentist. She then practiced in Moncton, New Brunswick, before returning to BC in 1986. In 1987 she opened the Ackroyd Dental Center. Patricia enjoys all areas of dentistry and includes family, cosmetic, orthodontic and reconstructive dentistry in her practice.
Patricia is presently living in Surrey with her Veterinarian husband, her two children, one standard poodle and an oriental cat. Patricia enjoys sailing, skiing and travel with her family. Since 1998, Patricia has worked on the National Dental Examining Board of Canada, the organization responsible for licensing dentists from other countries to practice in Canada. Prior to having children, Patricia was a part-time clinical instructor with the Faculty of Dentistry at UBC and with the Dental Hygiene program at VVI. At present she divides her time between the office, home, taking a wide variety of continuing education courses as well as sitting on various committees for the College of Dental Surgeons of BC, and representing BC as the executive of the National Dental Examining Board of Canada.
Dr. Randy Shew
Born and raised in Vancouver, Randy Shew's interest in dentistry was sparked by his love of working with his hands. After pursuing a Bachelors degree in Animal Biology, he entered the Faculty of Dentistry.
Dr. Shew graduated from UBC with awards for outstanding work in restorative dentistry and children's dentistry. He enjoys practicing all aspects of dentistry in all age groups, from cosmetics to surgery. He participates in continuing education courses to stay on top of current developments in family dentistry. Prior to joining Ackroyd Dental Center in 1994, Dr. Shew practiced in Burnaby.
Outside of work, Randy lives in Vancouver with his wife and son. He spends his free time renovating his house and playing volleyball, tennis, and mountain biking. In addition to his sports, he is active in the community. He is involved as a clinical instructor at UBC Faculty of Dentistry and for over eight years he provided dental services to children at the Burnaby School Health Unit.
