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The Full Story

Meet Dr. Irena Mota, CDA, RDH, DMD
Founder of Smile Back Dental

Dr. Irena Mota’s path to dentistry began with a smile — her own. At 16, she immigrated to Canada with her parents and identical twin sister. Coming from a medical family, she always felt drawn to healthcare, but it wasn’t until she spent time at a dental office fixing her own oral health that her passion truly took root. The care she received was compassionate, painless, and empowering — and it inspired her to create that same experience for others.

Dr. Mota went on to complete both her Certified Dental Assisting and Registered Dental Hygienist diplomas at Vancouver Community College, and earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of British Columbia. She founded Smile Back Dental with a simple mission: to make patients feel cared for, comfortable, and confident every time they visit.

Beyond the clinic, Dr. Mota is a proud mom of two beautiful children who keep her on her toes and fill her days with joy. She’s passionate about travel, staying active with squash, biking, and her Peloton, and she’s always on the hunt for incredible food (recommendations welcome!).

With Dr. Mota, dentistry isn’t just about teeth — it’s about building trust, making people feel at ease, and helping everyone smile back.

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