How a dental hygienist and her dog are making a difference in rural Newfoundland

Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Natasha Pelley, owner of the mobile clinic, SnuggleTooth Smile Mobile. Natasha travels to rural areas of Newfoundland to provide dental care to underserved areas with the help of her dog, Millie.

Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career?

I decided to pursue dental hygiene because I’ve always been fascinated by the human body and passionate about nurturing others. Growing up in rural Newfoundland, I was deeply influenced by my grandparents, who embodied caring and generosity.

Initially, I completed a degree in Kinesiology at Memorial University, which included three work terms. My experiences as a trainer at a gym and as a physiotherapy assistant solidified my love for working with the public. I enjoyed helping clients understand what works for them while ensuring they felt comfortable and not judged. Additionally, my summer as a camp counselor showed me the joy of working with children.

In rural Newfoundland, dental visits in the 80s weren’t a routine part of life, and I often left appointments feeling uncomfortable and confused about what had happened. This experience sparked my interest in dental health and the need for greater access to care in my home province. While I considered dental hygiene during my undergrad, I felt intimidated by the prospect of moving away, especially since there was no dental school in Newfoundland.

However, in 2008, while living in Moncton, I learned that a new college was opening up for dental hygiene. I applied immediately and was thrilled to be accepted. The rest is history!

Why and when did you decide to open your mobile clinic, the SnuggleTooth Smile Mobile?

The idea for my mobile clinic, the SnuggleTooth Smile Mobile, has been on my mind since even before the pandemic. An instructor in my dental hygiene program mentioned the concept years ago, and it stuck with me. Living on this vast island, there aren’t many resources to outfit mobile units.

Getting a quote from a large chain company took months, and I didn’t feel right about it. I spent a lot of time researching and reaching out to different places across Canada, but there’s limited gently used equipment available here. Thankfully, resale groups on Facebook proved to be a valuable resource.

I officially began this journey in early 2022, around my birthday when I operated a small clinic within a denture clinic in St. John’s, which helped me understand the ins and outs of business ownership. I followed GIFT FROM THE HEART, a dental charity, and reached out to them to inquire about their outfitted ambulance. Before long, I was in contact with Bev Woods, the founder. After a FaceTime tour of the clinic, I went to the bank the next day and made the purchase.

I soon found myself driving a comfy Chevy Express ambulance from Ontario to Newfoundland! While living in the city has its conveniences, I wanted to reach out to towns lacking dental services, where many people don’t have access to clinics or even transportation. My plan is to travel to rural areas regularly to provide dental hygiene care.

With the new Canada Dental Benefit Program, many individuals who previously couldn’t afford services now have access. My experiences with The Canadian International Dental Foundation in Haiti in 2014 and 2015, where I provided care to those without access, solidified my desire to bring services to underserved communities.

Do you have a mentor in the industry? How did you find them and any advice for finding a mentor?

Where do I start? First of all, independent dental hygienists are not common or well-known in Newfoundland yet, so I want to give a shout-out to the pioneers—thank you for sticking it out!

This question gives me goosebumps because I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors, including two who are no longer with us. When I moved back to Newfoundland in 2012, my first job was at a dental clinic with two incredible individuals. Dr. Maureen Lawton, one of the first female dentists in the St. John’s area, graduated dental school in 1982. She taught me so much about dentistry and business ownership. Working next to her, I witnessed how she and her assistant of 30 years, Denise, built beautiful lifelong connections with clients and their families. They showed me how to explain procedures in a relatable way and foster genuine connections.

I fondly remember Dr. Lawton calling me over during exams, often demonstrating from funny or upside-down positions, excitedly pointing out, “Hey, look! See that buttery yellow spot? That’s a cavity!” Her enthusiasm for mentoring was clear, even if she didn’t realize she was doing it.

Another important mentor for me is Tracy Baker, known on social media as @itsthedentalhygienius. I hired her for brand development and coaching in 2022, shortly after I opened my clinic, and I wish I had done it sooner! Our weekly Zoom sessions and the homework she assigned taught me to be a tough cookie and how to effectively communicate with potential landlords and vendors.

You don’t always have to actively search for a mentor; they can come into your life unexpectedly. It might be someone you work with, or even instructors like those at Oulton College, who still resonate with me today—yes, that’s you, Mrs. Bradley! They were fantastic.

Most importantly, surround yourself with supportive people. I’m grateful for my friends, coworkers, and fellow entrepreneurs, like my osteopath, who cheer me on.

What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?

The accomplishment I’m most proud of is taking the leap to open my own business, doing what I love and striving to make a difference, even if just in small ways. It stands as a meaningful accomplishment in my personal and career development. My father, a baby boomer, is proud of me, but he also worries. He comes from a generation where finding a stable job and sticking with it for life was the norm. In contrast, my mother was an entrepreneur who owned a small store back in our hometown, which has always inspired me. By starting my own clinic, I’m not only following my passion but also carving out my own path, blending the lessons I learned from both my parents.

Your dog Millie helps out at your clinic, bringing “smiles and snuggles” to patients. Can you tell us about how you first got Millie involved and the value she brings to your patients?

I adopted Millie from a rescue called Paw2Love. She was surrendered in Texas and magically made her way into my life—I like to think I manifested this little angel! During my coaching sessions with Tracy, we discussed the idea of having a therapy dog to comfort patients, and as a huge animal lover, I knew it was the right fit.

Millie attended several training classes, which are still ongoing at LivBetter Dog Training. I started by bringing her to an appointment at my clinic with a long-time client I knew would be comfortable. She laid on his lap the entire time, and from that day on, I made it a regular practice to bring her along.

I also work part-time at a clinic in Carbonear, NL, and my fantastic boss, Dr. Kohli, encouraged me to bring Millie to work with me every day (He’s trying to earn the status of favorite boss). She is a natural, often gravitating towards those who need the most comfort. It’s incredible how she can sense who needs her.

Millie not only brings smiles and snuggles to clients but also lifts the spirits of the staff. Everyone has been in a greater mood since she joined us! I’ve witnessed some touching moments, like when she fell asleep on the chest of a lady who was grieving the loss of her husband, and another time when she provided comfort to a teenage boy with autism.

The value she brings to our clinic is immeasurable, and I’m so grateful to have her by my side and company for the ride home.

What do you like to do for fun?

For fun, I love to ice skate! I usually join a synchronized skating team, but my schedule doesn’t allow for that this year. Instead, I plan to make time for general skating at the rink with one of my stepsons, who plays hockey. It’s easy to let hobbies and self-care take a backseat when life gets busy, so I’m determined to prioritize what I love.

I also enjoy catching up with friends, whether over a phone call or in person. Recently, I went to Starbucks and browsed Winners with a friend—it doesn’t have to be anything formal. Those connections bring me joy and help me recharge!

Favourite dental people/accounts to follow?

My friend Amber at TheGoodToothCo (@thegoodtoothco)

Millie’s teacher/ Auntie Heidi Liv Better Dog Training (@livbetterdogtraining)

Who doesn’t love a few smiles and feel-good moments – Drew Barrymore (@drewbarrymore)

This one is new to me but very nice and inspiring iulia bochis (@iuliastration)

What is the one piece of technology or a product you could not work without?

The one piece of technology I couldn’t work without is the EMS Airflow Prophylaxis Master. I recently purchased it and am still getting used to it, but I believe it will become my favorite machine. I also really appreciate my intraoral camera; it’s invaluable for enhancing patient communication and understanding.

You can find Natasha online at:

Feel free to reach out on any of these platforms!