Squamish has one more thing to smile about, and it’s not just the view from the Chief. Longtime climber, mountain biker and dentist Dr. Jonathan Visscher and his wife, Dr. Debra Matson, have recently opened Chief Dental, a new clinic focused on making oral care simple, comfortable and accessible for everyone in town. It’s located at 107-38115 Laurelwood Rd., in the SEAandSKY subdivision.
After years of weekend visits, Visscher and his family finally made Squamish their full-time home, bringing with them a brand-new dental practice designed for stress-free dental care. Chief Dental officially opened its doors two months ago, a welcome addition to Squamish’s growing community. With the town’s population increasing by more than 20 per cent in recent years, the arrival of a new clinic is timely.
“There’s obviously a need. A lot of people are finding us and coming in, which has been really good,” said Visscher.
Visscher’s interest in dentistry began at age 15 during a mission trip to Venezuela, where he pulled his first tooth. The experience sparked a lasting passion for hands-on service and compassionate care.
Since earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Loma Linda University in 2008, he has practised in 17 countries, often in remote areas with little or no access to dental care. On some of these trips, he was flown into small villages in South America and the Philippines, setting up makeshift clinics and treating patients who had travelled for hours to see a dentist.
Those experiences, he said, taught him how to connect with people across language barriers, skills that now make communication and care easier with his patients in Canada. Before moving to Squamish, Visscher and his wife ran a practice in 100 Mile House, where they lived with their two daughters. As the girls grew older and began spending more time in Squamish, the family realized it was time to make the move full-time.
“We were married here in 2008 and always wanted to move back,” he said. “It took a long time to find a properly zoned space for a dental office, but once we did, we knew it was the right fit.”
Making dentistry easy
Located conveniently with on-site parking, Chief Dental was designed with patient comfort and accessibility at its core. Every sensory detail, from lighting and soundproofing to scent and layout, was considered to make dental visits less stressful.
“When we were designing and finishing the space, we looked at the five senses in each room,” said Visscher. “We wanted things to taste good, look good, smell good, feel good and sound good, especially for people who are anxious or sensitive to sound.”
Designed with intention, the space reflects the natural beauty of the West Coast. The warm, organic palette and locally inspired decor create a calming, grounded atmosphere. Artwork by Eileen Kiyonaga and ceiling photography by Sophia Warrington, Guy Fattal and Chris Christie add unique touches of Squamish’s landscape throughout the office. Floor-to-ceiling glass in the operatories offers stunning views of the Chief, bringing the outdoors in and enhancing the patient experience.
“We work hard to make appointments painless and comfortable,” he said. “People are super happy because we’ve focused on making the experience easy and enjoyable.”
Comprehensive dental care in Squamish
Dr. Visscher and Dr. Matson offer a variety of services, including implants, root canals, extractions, restorative work and cosmetic procedures, including Botox and veneers. They are also in talks with a pediatric specialist and a periodontal specialist to join the team, ensuring patients can access comprehensive care locally without having to leave Squamish.
“As we grow, we’re hoping to bring in specialists so people don’t have to drive out of town,” said Visscher. “It’ll take some time, but we’ll get there.”
The clinic operates 10 hours a day, five days a week, and offers flexible scheduling. Patients can book online, by phone or walk in for emergency visits. Visscher said he has even received calls to his personal number from patients seeking care.
While the office doesn’t accept direct insurance assignments, the team helps patients complete paperwork, and reimbursement usually arrives within a couple of days. Chief Dental also participates in the Canada Dental Care Plan, providing additional support for eligible patients.
“We just try to make it as easy as possible for people,” he said. “From parking to paperwork, we want the whole process to be smooth.”
Community-minded dentistry
Beyond dentistry, Visscher is eager to get involved in Squamish’s outdoor and family-focused community. He has already been connecting with local trail-building groups such as Dream Wizards and Ride BC. He plans to support organizations like the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA) and local school programs.
“At our last office, we helped build a lot of the mountain bike trails and supported after-school programs,” he said. “We’re excited to do the same here.” When he’s not in the clinic, you’ll often find him out on the local trails, either biking or helping to maintain them.
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, he said, and the clinic is now looking to expand its team. “If you’re a Certified Dental Assistant, we’d love to have you join our team,” said Visscher.
For now, his focus is on welcoming new patients, expanding services and continuing to build community connections. Chief Dental can be reached at hello@chief.dental and at(778) 906-5665.
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