Dr. Jessica Bourassa and Dr. Vanessa Curran have a lot of titles. Mothers, wives, dentists and twin best friends. They are Sarnia girls, who after graduating from St. Patrick's High School in Sarnia, attended the University of Western Ontario for undergraduate studies; then the University of Toronto and Western respectively, for dental school. They love Sarnia, and even before becoming dentists, always loved being a part of Sarnia's tight-knit local community. And it's that small-town sense of togetherness, friendship and willingness to go the extra mile that they aim to bring to their practices.
Their offices are located at 929 Michigan Ave. and provide a full range of dental services. "We really enjoy seeing our patients and spending time with them. Our teams are patient and kind and really try to make people feel comfortable," says Dr. Curran. "And we love working on kids!" The pair have the tooth fairy on speed dial. "She leaves extra money here because she knows our children have been brave," says Dr. Bourassa. "One of the best compliments we get is from parents who tell us their child looks forward to coming here." The pair really enjoy working with children and adults with special needs. "We are able to see these patients at our office or the hospital. We have hospital privileges to do so," says Dr. Curran. "This is the reason I started the Sarnia Chapter of Sharing Smiles Day, which has a mission to advocate, educate and improve the oral health of adults with special needs," adds Dr. Bourassa.
While they love seeing kids, they stress they enjoy seeing their adult patients too. "The biggest goal is to make sure our patients are comfortable and not afraid to come to the dentist. That goes for all patients, no matter their age. We love our team and find them to be so welcoming. Patients will say it looks like you are having so much fun and that's because we are," explains Dr. Curran. Dr. Bourassa echoes the sentiment: "Sure, we want to make sure that you and your teeth are as healthy as they can be. But, to us, you're more than just a set of teeth. That's why we make sure that when you come to our office, you're not just coming for a check-up or procedure, you're stopping by to see friends. We think taking care of your teeth is important, but we hope for it to be a fun, enjoyable experience too."

The girls had a dream to practice across the hall from one another, a dream that came true when Dr. Bourassa bought a practice and moved it across the hall from Dr. Curran. "The only struggle is for some of our friends and family to decide which one of us to see."
Tristan Bassett and her friends at NuSarnia Foundation have a vision for the city they love to be an even better place. And they are willing to take the time and energy to see things improve. The group at NuSarnia are community advocates; champions for creating a more active transportation-friend
In 1973, John Shelley Sr. started Shelley Machine & Marine, an expert machining, fabrication, and welding shop specializing in ship repairs. His son John Jr. and daughter Lauretta both worked for him to start the family business....
Chris Lindsay loves counselling and therapy. "After 25 years, I still find it very interesting," shares Lindsay. "I'm fortunate to have a career that will keep me interested, even if I practice until I'm 95. Each person is so unique, and therapy itself is always evolving, so there is always more to
With a few taps on top of the bun, you knew that your sandwich was complete. That was an Alfie Jansco trademark. Jansco started Alfie's European Deli in 1999 at the Mara Trade Centre. I took over the business in 2006. I've been Alfie longer than Alfie, says current owner Tony Haines. They pu
In keeping with tradition by running the family business, Marcotte Disposal, Tracey Kaplin has one simple goal: Grow the operation and provide a good living for its employees. "We wanted to keep it a family-style run business and provide jobs for the people of our community," Tracey says of her
DeGroots Nurseries began in 1957, the same year that John DeGroot was born. We've been around a while. The business has become part of the fabric of the community, DeGroot explains. The business was started by his parents, John Sr. and Attie DeGroot, who had emigrated from Holland in 1952.
Established in 1977, the Women's Interval Home of Sarnia-Lambton (WIH) provides emergency shelter, support and counselling to abused women and their children. WIH was one of the first women's shelters in Ontario. It was started by a group of people from the community who saw a need, explai
Marsha Kalakay and Joyce Nolin-Capman believe their Rotary District 6330 Passport Club may be the future of Rotary. Rather than relying on in-person gatherings like traditional Rotary Clubs, Passport's members hook up online. It is, they insist, so much more convenient. Many of us left Rotary or
Own a local business in Sarnia-Lambton?
Become a #local Partner and we pay you 100% of every gift card members spend with you. It costs you nothing to join.
Free. Takes about three minutes.
#local
Install our app
Tap the Share button
Look for the share icon in your browser toolbar
Select "Add to Home Screen"
Scroll down in the share menu to find this option
Tap "Add"
The app will appear on your home screen