Meet Our Dental Team

Dr. Preethi Trussell

Born and raised in the prairies, Dr. Trussell began her dental career as a dental hygienist, graduating from Loma Linda University in 2002. She then furthered her education and received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda as well in 2009. During her dental education, Dr. Trussell received research awards at county and state levels. Her compassion for people and their dental needs is displayed in her international mission trips to Africa, China, Mexico, Belize and more planned in the future.

After school she immediately joined the Armstrong Dental Centre and purchased it 6 months after joining. She enjoys expanding her dental knowledge by taking courses and classes in implant dentistry, endodontics, and pediatrics. She enjoys being a dentist and her patients always feel that in her care.

When not working Dr. Trussell loves spending time with her family, cooking, golfing, and traveling.

Dr. Sheldon Barkman

Dr. Sheldon D. Barkman is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan Dental college class of 2003. In 2017 he sold his dental practice in Saskatoon and relocated his family to Lake Country to pursue an outdoor lifestyle with his wife and three children ages 14, 12 and 9.

Dr. Barkman was born in British Columbia. Upon graduating from secondary school he completed a diploma of dental therapy in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

After spending 18 months in the Northwest Territories, he returned to B.C continuing to work as a dental therapist for several years. Dr. Barkman then returned to Saskatchewan with his wife Trudy to begin studies at the University of Saskatchewan.

Dr. Barkman’s goal as a dentist is to provide exceptional dental services while being sensitive to his patients’ needs. His experience in dental therapy has provided extensive work in pediatrics. Areas of continuing study are implant surgery, endodontics and orthodontics.

Brian Butt

Brian Butt is our denturist and is on-site two days a week to make and repair dentures and partials. Originally from southwestern Ontario, Brian received his Bachelor of Physical Education from McMaster University in 1987 and went on to complete his program to be a Licensed Denturist in 1990.

After practicing for 15 years in Ontario, he is thrilled to have the privilege of working for the last 10 years in the beautiful Okanagan Valley with his wife Pam. He an avid skier of every kind and holds a level 3 instructors certification. Other interests include most outdoor sports: biking, triathlon, kayaking, waterskiing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and flying.

Front Office

Michele has been a CDA since 1993, when she graduated from the College of New Caledonia in Prince George, BC. Michele has extensive experience in ortho and and other aspects of general dentistry. She has been in Armstrong for the past 22 years. Michele currently works as the office manager, her years of clinical knowledge makes her an invaluable asset to the team knowing both clinical and financial aspects of the practice. When not working Michele enjoys camping and spending time with her family.

Stephanie, graduated from KDM Dental College in 2010, where she earned her Dental Assistant certificate. Stephanie currently works as a CDA and a front office receptionist. She resides in Coldstream with her husband and son. When not working Stephanie loves spending time with her family and enjoys the outdoors.

CDA Team

Rachelle – Unusual as it may seem Rachelle always enjoyed going to the dentist as a child, which eventually led her down the career path of a CDA. Rachelle thrives to build relationships with her patients and finds their trust very important and rewarding. Going to work every day is a new experience and another opportunity to ensure her patients feel comfortable and leave happy.

Courtney – Joined our CDA team as a maternity leave position and we never let her go. She finished her CDA training in Kelowna at Okanagan College. She was raised in Armstrong and feels strongly about staying here.

Hygiene Team

Aly Martin, Kristy Young, Sheila Sacht