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Garvey Oral Surgery Training
A meeting and training

Founded by clinicians who wanted to teach the way they wished they had been taught

Garvey Oral Surgery Training was founded in Red Deer by a group of experienced oral surgeons and periodontists who believed that continuing education should feel like mentorship — unhurried, specific, and genuinely useful the moment you return to your practice. Every decision we have made since, from keeping groups to a maximum of eight participants to building a fully equipped surgical simulation lab, reflects that original belief.

Our story

How Garvey Oral Surgery came to be — and where we are today

Garvey Oral Surgery was founded by a group of experienced oral surgeons and periodontists who believed that continuing education should feel like mentorship, not a lecture. Based in Red Deer, we serve dentists from across Alberta who want to deepen their surgical skills in a calm, hands-on environment. Every course is kept small — no more than 8 participants per workshop — so every clinician gets direct time with the instructor. We explain every step, answer every question, and never rush anyone through a procedure they are not yet comfortable with. Our facility includes a fully equipped surgical simulation lab, fresh-tissue dissection stations, and a dedicated implant planning suite. Whether you are placing your first implant or refining advanced bone-grafting technique, you will leave with skills you can apply the very next day in your own practice.

  1. 2011

    Garvey Oral Surgery founded in Red Deer by a team of oral surgeons and periodontists who wanted to offer mentorship-style continuing education to Alberta dentists.

  2. 2014

    Surgical simulation lab expanded with dedicated fresh-tissue dissection stations, allowing more realistic hands-on training for extraction and grafting courses.

  3. 2017

    Periodontal Surgery Certificate Program launched as the first multi-module, structured certificate offering — filling a gap for dentists who wanted more than a single-day course.

  4. 2020

    Practice Integration Coaching program introduced, providing post-course mentorship via video call for dentists applying new surgical skills in their own practices.

  5. 2023

    CBCT Interpretation course added in response to the growing number of dentists acquiring or using cone-beam imaging in general practice across Alberta.

Values

What we believe about how dentists learn best

Small groups, real attention

With a maximum of 8 participants per workshop, you are never lost in a crowd. The instructor knows your name, watches your technique, and gives you feedback that is specific to you — not generic tips delivered to a room of 30.

Unhurried, step-by-step pace

We do not move on until everyone in the room is comfortable. If a technique takes longer to click for you, we stay with it. There is no pressure to keep up with a fixed schedule at the expense of genuine understanding.

Central Alberta location

Red Deer sits midway between Calgary and Edmonton, making it an easy drive for dentists from across Alberta. Most participants arrive the evening before and leave after the final session without needing a long-distance flight.

Practical, next-day applicable skills

Every course is built around what you will actually do in your practice on Monday morning. We focus on protocols that work in a general dental setting, not just in a specialist's referral centre.

Ongoing support after the course

Learning does not stop when you leave the building. Every participant has access to a post-course case consultation call within 90 days, and our coaching program is available for dentists who want structured mentorship as they begin new procedures.

CE credits recognized across Canada

All courses carry CE credits recognized by provincial dental associations. You can apply your hours toward annual CE requirements regardless of which province you are licensed in.

The people who teach and support you at Garvey Oral Surgery

The people who teach and support you at Garvey Oral Surgery

Illustrative photos, fictitious people.

Dr. Sandra Kowalczyk – Founder & Lead Instructor — Oral Surgery & Implantology
Dr. Sandra KowalczykFounder & Lead Instructor — Oral Surgery & Implantology
Dr. Marcus Osei-Bonsu – Senior Instructor — Periodontics & Soft-Tissue Surgery
Dr. Marcus Osei-BonsuSenior Instructor — Periodontics & Soft-Tissue Surgery
Dr. Priya Nambiar – Instructor — Radiology & CBCT Interpretation
Dr. Priya NambiarInstructor — Radiology & CBCT Interpretation
Lena Hartmann – Course Coordinator & Participant Support
Lena HartmannCourse Coordinator & Participant Support
Training and people
Facilities
  • Surgical simulation lab with 8 individual bench stations and full lighting and suction
  • Fresh-tissue dissection room with biosafety-compliant specimen handling and disposal
  • Dedicated implant planning suite with CBCT viewing workstations
  • Seminar room with ceiling-mounted procedure camera for live demonstration replay
  • Quiet breakout lounge for between-session review and informal instructor Q&A
  • Accessible parking directly adjacent to the building, no charge for course participants

Ready to take the next step in your surgical practice?

Contact us to talk through which course fits your current skill level — we are happy to have an honest conversation before you register.

Give us a call Ask for a quote