DR. JAY Philippson

Certified Specialist in Orthodontics

I have been fortunate to not only grow up in the Cowichan Valley but to be able to return here to practice Orthodontics. To be able to practice what I truly love and to live in the area that holds my heart has made for a tremendous career. After graduating from Chemainus Secondary School, I attended UBC graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. I tried to work in the world of business and realized that my passion was not satisfied. I returned to UBC and was fortunate enough to be accepted and graduate from Dentistry in 1988. Following 3 years of general practice in Vancouver my family, which at the time included my lovely wife and 2 young daughters, I moved to Edmonton to begin my journey into the specialty of orthodontics. Three years of specialty training and a Master’s of Science degree enabled me to return to the Cowichan Valley as an orthodontist in 1994. Our family had by then grown with our son born in 1993. I purchased an existing practice that was a satellite practice of Drs. Beatty and McDougall from Victoria. In 1998 we moved into our present space that was built purposely for our practice. I have great respect for the people that I work with, the majority of whom have been with me from the very beginning. Without the dedication of these wonderful people I would not be able to provide the most important people in my practice – the patients – with the care and attention that they deserve.

Outside of work, my passions include skiing, fishing, boating, golf, woodworking and gardening. I have also been involved in the membership of orthodontics as and active participant in the Island Orthodontist Seminars, Past President of the BC Society of Orthodontists and current President of the Canadian Association of Orthodontists.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Commerce – University of British Columbia

Doctorate of Dental Medicine – University of British Columbia 1988

Master of Science – University of Alberta 1994

Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics – University of Alberta 1994

DESIGNATIONS

President – Canadian Foundation for the Advancement of Orthodontics 2022- present

President – BC Society of Orthodontists 2005

President – Canadian Association of Orthodontists 2019

DR. Lucien Bellamy

Certified Specialist in Orthodontics

I am originally from Comox and I feel so fortunate to be an orthodontist in Vancouver Island. After many years of being away at university, it was always a dream of mine to move back to the island.

I truly love what I do! Orthodontics is so much more than straight teeth. For some, it’s about improving overall health or correcting damage that has occurred in the past. For others, it’s about giving them the smile they’ve always wanted. Everyone has different desires, and I do my best to address the specific needs of every patient that comes in the office.

Orthodontics is a long-term process, so you will get to know everyone very well. By far the best thing about my office is the people. I am fortunate to have an awesome team! Most of the team has been with the practice for many years. They go above and beyond to make sure patients have a positive experience at every visit.

When I’m not in the office, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. We love everything Vancouver Island has to offer. In the summer, most of our time is spent around the water or at various camping spots around the Island. In the winter, we escape the rain and head for the mountain.

EDUCATION

Honours Bachelor of Science (Microbiology and Immunology) – Western University 1997

Doctorate of Dental Medicine – University of British Columbia 2003

Master of Science in Dentistry – University of Washington 2007

Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics – University of Washington 2007

DESIGNATIONS

Orthodontic Fellowship – Royal College of Dentists of Canada 2007

President – Nanaimo and District Dental Society 2012-2015

President – Vancouver Island Orthodontic Specialists 2013-2014

President – British Columbia Society of Orthodontists 2017-2018

DR. Tyra Cross

Certified Specialist in Orthodontics

As a BC girl, born in Prince George and raised in Nanaimo, I am very happy to be back on Vancouver Island and to be part of the Cowichan Valley Community after spending many years away for school. 

After graduating from the University of Victoria, I worked in biochemistry research while trying to figure out what I really wanted to spend my life doing. After being invited to job-shadow at my dentist’s office, I had a light-bulb moment and knew I had found “The Thing” for me! I love the combination of science and art, mixed with the gratification of being able to help others. 

I am so fortunate to join such an incredible orthodontic practice! The team at Cowichan Valley Orthodontics is excellent. They truly care about our patients and strive to make each appointment enjoyable. 

Outside of work, I like to hike and bike with my partner Jason, and dog Boone, which makes the Cowichan Valley the perfect place to call home!

EDUCATION 

Bachelor of Science (Microbiology and General Biology) – University of Victoria 2007 

Doctorate of Dental Surgery (Honours in Complex Patient Care) – New York University College of Dentistry 2015 

General Practice Residency (Emergency and Complex Medicine Dentistry) – University of Alberta 2016

Master of Craniofacial Sciences – University of British Columbia 2022

Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics – University of British Columbia 2022 

DESIGNATIONS 

Board Certified Orthodontist- National Dental Specialty Examining Board of Canada 2022