Dr. Austin Chen – President 2026-27

Dr. Austin Chen was born in Taiwan and immigrated to Canada at a young age. Raised in Surrey, he obtained his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) as well as his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) Degree from the University of British Columbia (UBC).

Dr. Chen has also been involved in outreach programs in the community. He has volunteered his time at community clinics to provide dental care to the underprivileged population in Richmond, BC, as well as in the Downtown East Side of Vancouver. He enjoys interacting with patients and ensuring their comfort while under his care.

Dr. Chen is always striving to advance his skills by undertaking a variety of continuing education courses, and by his involvement in multiple study clubs. He is also a fan of all things “tech,” and is passionate about staying up to date with the latest technological advances! In addition, Austin is always seeking out great restaurants along with good company. He enjoys staying active and is currently learning how to golf!

Dr. Sheena Sood – Past-President 2026-27

Sheena was born in Nottingham, England. She moved to Vancouver with her family at the age of three and has lived in Richmond ever since. Sheena completed her Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) at the University of British Columbia.

Soon after graduation, Sheena envisioned Ironwood Dental Care as a place where dentistry would take place in a warm and caring atmosphere. In 1998, her dream came true when she took Ironwood Dental Care from conception to reality.

Sheena loves to practice dentistry and cherishes each opportunity to make a positive difference to her patients’ dental health. Furthermore, she is both passionate and committed to continued learning and maintaining her leadership role in modern dentistry. The most fulfilling part of practicing dentistry for Sheena is seeing her patients smile with renewed dental health and increased self-confidence.

Dr. James Cadigan – President-Elect

Dr. James Cadigan grew up in Winnipeg where he graduated from the University of Manitoba DMD program in 2009. James moved to Vancouver in 2010 when he joined the VDDS, and he took over a general dental clinic in Steveston. He recently gave up being a part-time instructor at the University of British Columbia to work part-time at a satellite office near the Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. In addition to VDDS membership James maintains his skills though membership in the Metro Vancouver Study Club, Alpha Omega, and ITI.

Apart from a life dedicated to his patients James is a music aficionado, and lifetime tennis, squash and badminton player. He and his partner love travelling (including camping), and enjoy being hosts to an endless list of friends and family visiting from out of town. You can catch him in the summer riding his white Harley Roadster named Angel and in the winter snowboarding and skiing on the slopes of Whistler-Blackcomb.

Dr. Bobby Birdi – Director

Dr. Birdi received his dental degree from the University of Saskatchewan and his post-graduate specialty training in both periodontics and prosthodontics from the University of Minnesota.  He is a Fellow and Examiner for the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and a Diplomate of both the American Board of Periodontology and the American Board of Prosthodontics.  Dr. Birdi is one of the very few board certified dual specialists in periodontics and prosthodontics in North America.

He is also a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, the Academy of Osseointegration, and a member of the American Academy of Periodontology.   He is a reviewer for the Journal of Oral Implantology, Clinical Advances in Periodontics, and the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants (JOMI).

Dr. Birdi presently the co-director of the Pacific Institute for Advanced Dental Education located in Vancouver, Canada, which is a learning centre for his fellow dentists.  He is also currently practicing at the BC Perio Dental Health & Implant Centres in Vancouver.  His practice focuses on comprehensive periodontal and prosthetic treatment with a major focus on esthetics and implant dentistry.

Dr. Kary Taylor – Director

Dr. Kary Taylor graduated with a DDS from the University of California, San Francisco Med Center (UCSF). A member of VDDS since moving to BC in 1980, Kary is the past board chairman of the BCDA Oral Health Month Committee. He does international dental missions to Guatemala and is a part-time dentist at the Downtown Eastside (DTES) Free Clinic. In 2014, he was awarded the Hero of the Homeless Award by the City of Surrey for his work at Outlook Dental Clinic.

Kary enjoys staying active, spending time running, hiking, cycling, basketball, and adventure motorcycle touring, as well as playing in a Reggae band. He and his wife Chiara spend much of their time as chauffeurs to their two sons, who participate in a variety of sporting and cultural activities.

Dr. Vivian Y. Chow – Director

Dr. Vivian Chow graduated with honours with a DDS from the University of Western Ontario. She was awarded the Gold Medal in Chemistry and Biochemistry, the Miller Thomson Foundation Scholarship and was a Rhode Scholar finalist. A member of VDDS since graduation, Vivian is also a board member of the BCDA Oral Health Month Committee and part time clinical instructor at the UBC Faculty of Dentistry.

A seeker of all things delicious, Vivian loves good food and wine paired with good friends. She is also an accomplished violinist, pianist and flutist. She and her husband are parents to a baby girl, and Vivian enjoys many outdoor activities, as well as swimming, traveling, and hiking.

Dr. John Rogers – Director

Dr. John Rogers was born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario, graduating from the University of Toronto dental school in 1983.

John continued his training at VGH in the general practice residency program, following which he practised dentistry in Burnaby for several years. In 1991 – 92 Dr. Rogers worked for the health department in Papua, New Guinea as chief dental officer.

He has travelled extensively, and has practised dentistry from the equator to the Arctic Circle! John now practices in White Rock, BC, where he is determined to stay!

John has two children, and his recreational passions include skiing, traveling, photography and scuba diving.

Dr. Ron Zokol – Director

Dr. Ron Zokol is proud to acknowledge his 20 years of practice partnership with his father, a certified specialist in prosthodontics. Prior to his involvement with implant dentistry, he became recognized for his restorative skills with direct and indirect gold restorations, resulting in him being awarded “Clinician of the Year” by the American Academy of Gold Foil Operators award in 1997.

Ron is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry and of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He holds Fellowships in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the American College of Dentists, and the Academy of Dentistry International. He has over 25 years of experience in implant dentistry and has spent more than 10 years as a surgical instructor for the Misch International Implant Institute.

Over the last 30 years, Ron has been appointed to many posts in numerous dental associations, including the presidency of the Vancouver and District Dental Society, Chair of the General Examination Committee, and Chief Examiner for the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia. He has lectured internationally for many years in the field of Prosthodontics and Implant Surgery and is presently the director of the Pacific Implant Institute located in Vancouver, Canada, which is a learning centre for his fellow dentists.

Ron lives in Vancouver with his wife, Marie and their three sons.

Dr. Stacie Ross – Director

Dr. Stacie Ross graduated from the University of British Columbia’s dental school after completing an honours B.Sc. degree in Oceanography at UBC. She is a general dentist practicing in her own private clinic all aspects of dentistry, including dental implants and the cosmetic procedures, Invisalign and Botox treatments. Dr. Ross is a member in good standing of the College of Dental Surgeons of BC, the Canadian Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. She is a Mentor Dentist at Practical Clinical Courses, a Provo, Utah non-profit, and helps educate and train dentists at all levels.

Robyn McCorquodale – Executive Director

Robyn joined VDDS on a part-time basis in 2011 as Communications Manager. In 2015 she stepped into the roll of Executive Director, taking over from Ms. Gerri Randall who held the position for 20 years.

A Vancouver native, Robyn has a post secondary education in communications, marketing and broadcast journalism with a University Degree in Music. Her career began in corporate communications and public relations before she embarked on an international music career. A vocalist, pianist, songwriter and recording artist, she is the creator of  Diary of a Piano Girl and multiple album projects. She has planned, coordinated and promoted a variety of projects and enjoys new challenges creating social and educational live and online events for the society, including expanding VDDS’ Travel Events. In 2024, Robyn officially became a Travel Consultant with Travel Masters in order to better serve the VDDS community in planning extraordinary “once in a lifetime” international adventures!

Robyn was honoured to receive from the VDDS Board of Directors, an Award of Appreciation for her exceptional service to the Vancouver and District Dental Society from 2015 – through the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Robyn’s interests include music, travel, photography and running. An active advocate for elder care, she brought her worlds together in releasing her song and music video, We Fly Together or We Don’t Fly at All – a Pop Anthem Celebrating Seniors and Health Care Professionals.