Dr. Jordan Millar

Improving Lives by Changing Smiles

The first thing I notice when I meet someone is their smile. It’s how we introduce ourselves and make people feel at ease. It’s how we connect. As an orthodontist, I love that I get to help people achieve their best smile: one that’s functional and attractive, and that they love to share!

I am passionate about orthodontics. I love seeing peoples smiles change and developing relationships along the way. The balance between science, business and art is what excites me as there is always something new to learn, observe and improve upon. This career has allowed me to balance my family life and my professional life beautifully.

I love science and I love people - and orthodontics provides me the perfect balance to stimulate and engage both sides of my brain. I spend my days surrounded by people and making a positive change in their lives. Each of them needs a unique approach to care. I constantly have to think, to challenge myself and my patients, and to ensure we’re working together toward the shared goal of a lifetime of incredible smiles.

For me, orthodontics is about helping others: I want my patients to finish treatment with smiles they’ll treasure for a lifetime!

Personal Life

I grew up on the North Shore and have called the area home except when I went away for university. I attended Pauline Johnson Elementary school and graduated with my French Immersion diploma from Sentinel Secondary. As a competitive figure skater growing up, I learned  many important life skills, such as time management and goal setting, that I value today.

I have a wonderful and supportive husband and two incredible children. When I’m not caring for patients, you’ll find me playing with the kids: They are my top priority! I also make time to go snowboarding, to visit with family and friends, to bake, and to travel.

Education

I love learning. It’s essential that I remain current on the science and technological advances in orthodontics in order to provide my patients with the best care options and results. Each year I travel throughout North America, to complete many hours of continuing education or in today's world, to my computer for online webinars. I also participate in local study clubs, lectures, and webinars. Giving back is also important to me and I have done so by teaching orthodontics at UBC and by mentoring a senior dental student, now an orthodontic resident herself. This has been a very rewarding partnership for me and my mentee.

• Honors Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences – Queen’s University in Kingston, ON, 2000
• Doctorate of Dental Medicine – University of British Columbia, 2004
• Master’s degree in Craniofacial Biology and Certificate in Orthodontics – University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 2007

In the Community

I’m an active member of the 100 Women Who Care of the North Shore. This organization strives to have a positive impact on local community causes. I also love teaching or sharing my love for what I do and I have been fortunate to be involved as a mentor in many different capacities. While doing my residency in LA, I was a Big Sister and more recently, I am involved with a mentorship committee through my local orthodontic society, as a mentor to a senior dental student and with the Women in Dentistry Mentorship Program (WinDMP). I am also completing my tenure with the BC Society of Orthodontists and am now past-president.

Learn more about Dr. Jordan Millar and North Shore Orthodontics from our article in the North Shore News: North Shore News Article.

Dr. Cecilia Ponce

Creating functional and esthetic smiles away from home

I am fortunate to be part of North Shore Orthodontics and a team that represents everything I believe in: high-quality orthodontic care and personalized treatment with open and clear communication.

Although it was quite a challenge to move to a different country after many years of practicing as a dentist and orthodontist and start my second orthodontic training in my 30s, I felt there was just no other way. Now, after a few years of living in Canada, I know I made the right choice because I love waking up every morning surrounded by such beautiful scenery and watching my patients grow to love their new smiles.  I am meticulous and exceptionally detail-oriented, striving each day to become a better orthodontist than I was the day before.

My professional approach to orthodontics is based on orthopedic principles, as I give top priority to ensuring that every treatment is tailored to each patient’s needs, desires, and comfort. Before treatment begins, I make sure each patient is aware of all options and can select the best treatment for them, their budget, and their lifestyle.

The long-term relationships I build with my patients and their families during their orthodontic visits is invaluable. To help someone improve their confidence and quality of life in ways they may have not thought possible is tremendously gratifying. A beautiful smile is life-changing!

Personal Life

Growing up in Peru, I saw the impact my dad had on people in our community. I remember watching him at work when I was a little girl and I would see his patients arrive in pain and discomfort, and then leave with a smile! He had a profound impact on people. I started working in pediatric dentistry and then moved to orthodontics because I wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps. 

This is the most rewarding job; I get to see people look at themselves in the mirror with confidence, telling us that what we did for them changed their lives; it doesn’t get much better than that! I love working with kids especially. They tell me about their life, and the next time I see them they love that I remember what they told me! We form this amazing connection, and that trust is what matters most. 

Aside from orthodontics, I practice meditation to recharge my mind and body, as I truly believe in inner peace and wellness. I also love traveling, trying new restaurants, dancing, hiking, spending time outdoors with my husband, and living an active lifestyle.

Education

I completed dental school, a master’s degree and later specialized in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics in Peru. In 2013, after many years of both caring for patients and teaching dental students in Peru, I moved to the United States to further train in Craniofacial Biology and Orofacial Pain at the University of Kentucky.

Some might call me a lifetime student, as following all of this schooling, I have most recently earned my second degree in Orthodontics. I completed a Master’s in Orthodontics at the University of Alberta in 2018.

Following my residency, I was invited to become a clinical instructor at the University of Alberta, where I provided orthodontic supervision to the students in the Faculty of Dentistry. As I strongly believe in the research contribution to the profession, I have also become a published researcher and a peer reviewer.

• Bachelor of Dental Science - San Martín de Porres University, Peru, 2000
  
• Doctor of Dental Surgery - San Martín de Porres University, Peru, 2001
  
• Masters in Dental Education - San Marcos University, Peru, 2003
  
• Diploma in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics – Cientifica del Sur University Peru, 2009
  
• Fellowship in Craniofacial Biology - University of Kentucky, USA, 2014
  
• Mini-residency in Orofacial Pain - University of Kentucky, USA, 2014
  
• Masters in Orthodontics - University of Alberta, AB, 2018
  
• Fellow of The Royal College of Dentists of Canada
  
• Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics

In the Community - home away from home!

My husband and I decided to move to Canada a few years ago. Getting settled on the North Shore has always been my dream. I love living in a vibrant city with nature at our doorstep and welcoming people. When I left Peru and my practice of 15 years, I had to say goodbye to a community of family, friends, and patients that I was so close to. I still get emails from my patients, telling me what they are up to! 

When I first met Dr. Millar, I knew that this was a place that I could call home. I love Canada because there are people from all over the world who found their way here, just like we did. There are so many people who come into our office who have recently moved here and are looking to be part of a community. Together, we can create a home away from home.