Meet Dr. Novack
dentistry with you in mind
My aspiration to become a dentist stemmed from a multiplicity of life experiences, which coalesced into a desire to help others. Patients often present with barriers that impede their ability pursuing necessary dental care. Anxieties, negative past experiences, lack of finances represent some of the obstacles my patients share. I believe it is essential to develop a trusting relationship built on genuine empathy and supportive communication prior to commencing dental care. My mantra is to treat patients as family.
I first began to contemplate a career in healthcare when I attended Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was there that I obtained a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Immunology & Microbiology. What fascinated me both then and now are the connections between genetics, life-style, health and disease. Throughout my undergraduate years, summers were spent instructing children exhibiting a range of developmental and physical disabilities. These experiences affirmed my desire to choose a career where I was able to help others. From my perspective dentistry represents the harmonious blending of science, art and personal connections.
I obtained my Doctor of Dental Surgery with Honours from the University of Toronto. While in dental school, I purposefully sought out the opportunity to provide dental care to the underprivileged in Central America. This life enriching experience reinforced my conviction that every human being deserves assistance to eliminate pain and oral disease. I strive to provide each patient with treatment not merely grounded by the latest science-knowledge, but empathy and genuine caring. No one size fits all and I maintain that each patient’s unique background requires a tailored treatment approach. I appreciate the benefits of collaboration and have developed an experienced team of health care providers (dental specialists, physicians, etc.) to offer holistic patient treatment.
It is only through lifelong self-directed learning I remain current in the science and art of dentistry. Passion best describes my focus on treatment excellence. I am an active member of the North Toronto Dental Society, Social Media Coordinator for The Toronto Academy of Dentistry’s Winter Clinic and an Executive Member of The Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity Toronto.
I maintain that a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle is crucial to lifelong well-being. I practice holistic dentistry, a science that supports employing a global outlook on the relationship between oral and general health. My practice aims to instill this vision from the moment you enter the office. I look forward to sharing my passion for dentistry with you and your family!
Professional Affiliations:
Fun Facts About Dr. Sari
How Many Dentists Are in My Family?
I am the third generation of dentists in my family. My grandfather, Dr. Arnold Tiber, studied at Columbia University and later ran a family practice in Brooklyn, New York. My grandfather soon realized that his life desire was the science of dentistry and ultimately obtained his PhD in Dental Histology at the University of Southern California. It was a natural fit. Incredibly, even at 94, my grandfather still teaches at USC. He is the oldest active full-time professor in the North America and beloved by his students and fellow staff. My Mom and Dad are also both in the dental profession. My Mom is a hygienist and my Dad, a periodontist. They both met at USC. Upon my dad graduating from periodontics at USC, they decided to marry and settled in Toronto. With all this exposure to the dental world growing up, I organically opted to pursue a career in dentistry. I am so fortunate to have the best mentors within my own family. My Dad in particular has been a wealth of knowledge and experience. Having practiced for 35+ years and devoted himself to lifelong learning and advancement, his mantra remains providing the highest patient care. Through our collaboration, I have been able to learn and grow as a clinician. I have benefited from all his practical insight. In particular, my Dad employs a humanistic approach that enables him to develop genuine lasting relationships with his patients. I have learned so much and feel very fortunate.
How Many Kids Do I Have?
I have two delicious kiddos. One boy and one girl. I relish coming home each day to their smiling faces. I love children, which is one of the reasons I wanted to be a family dentist. It is a genuine pleasure being able to care for an entire family which encompasses pediatric dentistry. Providing each child with a comfortable and caring environment can foster a positive dental health journey.
What Is My Car’s License Plate?
DENTISTA. In the summer between third and fourth-year dental school, I traveled to Costa Rica and Nicaragua to treat under serviced and poverty-stricken communities. I did not make this journey alone, instead I was accompanied by my best friend who was in medical school at the time. Being in Spanish speaking countries, we quickly became referred to as ‘Doctora’ & ‘Dentista’. Well, it stuck!
Was I Born Without Wisdom Teeth?
YES, I was born without my wisdom tooth. Nevertheless, when I was 17 years old, I was convinced my wisdom teeth were starting to erupt. Keep in mind that many of my friends started having their wisdom teeth extracted and I ‘knew’ my time was coming soon. I am unsure whether I was just an attention seeking teen or had some sort of phantom pain, you can imagine my parents surprise when the oral radiologist told them I had no wisdom teeth. Lucky me no surgery! Although not all wisdom teeth must be removed, every teenager by 16 years of age should be professionally assessed to determine the appropriate course of action.
What Prompted Me to Practice Holistic Dentistry?
It is my belief that dentistry is so much more than just teeth. I have always been health conscience and from an early age was fascinated by the connection between oral and general health. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disorders, pregnancy and many more impact our oral health and vice versa. An integrated dental health approach from a young age can even help with sleep and beathing. Tongue ties for example, affect a baby’s feeding, but eventually, can lead to poor palatal development. This has ben shown to promote sleep apnea, improper breathing and behavioral issues. Taking a holistic approach to patient care from their first visits helps set my patients on a path to better oral and overall general health.
Why do I LOVE Invisalign®?
A multitude of dental issues can best corrected when teeth are properly aligned. Invisalign provides gentle, fast and almost invisible treatment to straighten teeth. By alleviating crowded teeth, you improve oral hygiene access thereby reducing tooth decay and gum disease. As well, tooth alignment can help with any undue forces on the teeth that are leading to worn-down and chipped teeth over time. Placing your teeth in a harmonious position provides life-long benefits. And of course, improved esthetics is the icing on the cake! With a simple digital scan, I can easily show you the possibilities of improving your smile and oral health.
Our philosophy
In collaboration with our experienced certified dental team, we are devoted to maintaining the highest standards of safety and professional care. I view dental care as a partnership with each patient. Lasting oral health begins with education and requires prevention and maintenance to ensure patients look and feel their best.
What we are bloggin’ about…
Patient comfort and patient health is our number #1 priority. We offer a variety of service options and helpful articles to help guide you down a path of health. Read up on our posts or get ahold of us to schedule a consultation.
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