Looking for a place where you can grow your skills, work with an amazing team, and enjoy the beautiful surrounding area? We have an exciting opportunity for an Associate Orthodontist at Kawartha Orthodontics, located in Peterborough, ON. This practice is led by a strong principal doctor who values mentorship, and is accompanied by a highly experienced team and an excellent long-standing reputation. Located in a community with an affordable cost of living and vibrant family-friendly atmosphere, this is an ideal place to thrive both professionally and personally.
Read on to discover Dr. Allision Nicholls’ exceptional experience as an Associate Orthodontist at Kawartha Orthodontics and see why this could be the perfect next step in your orthodontic career.
Meet Dr. Allison Nicholls, Associate Orthodontist
Dr. Allison Nicholls is a highly skilled orthodontist with a rich educational and professional background. She earned her Master of Science in Microbiology & Immunology and Doctor of Medical Dentistry from the University of British Columbia. She furthered her expertise by completing a three-year specialty orthodontic program at Western University, where she also received her Master of Clinical Dentistry. Dr. Nicholls brings a unique blend of military and orthodontic experience, having served as a Dental Officer in the Royal Canadian Dental Corps.
Dr. Nicholls brought her career to Corus Orthodontists in 2022, gaining valuable experience across several Corus practices, including SmileMakers, Forest Hill Orthodontics, Kawartha Orthodontics, and Stratford Orthodontics. During this time, she worked closely with diverse patient populations and honed her skills, gaining insights that have contributed to her growth as an orthodontist. This exposure to various practices and environments has shaped her into a well-rounded, highly skilled orthodontist.
We have many practices across Ontario, and as part of your development you have been able to work in four within Corus – Kawartha Orthodontics being one. What unique experiences did you get / bring to Kawartha?
The great thing about Corus is that every practice is unique and offers something they can teach you. Coming into the role as a newer orthodontist, Dr. Kaller’s team at Kawartha Orthodontics truly helped shaped my confidence in my role. Their open environment and willingness to teach makes for a strong team that not only values teamwork and collaboration, but also allows for a safe and supportive environment so that you can grow to be an exceptional orthodontist. Like many Corus practices, Kawartha Orthodontics is clinically strong and prioritizes providing the best patient care. Each team member has a high sense of internal motivation and a passion for the patient experience. It isn’t about the number of starts we do in a day, but rather the focus on positive patient experiences. So, while there is always an opportunity to learn and develop your skills, it’s the team at Kawartha Orthodontics that truly makes them special.
What were the key benefits/highlights of working at Kawartha Orthodontics?
Apart from being in a beautiful and spacious clinic equipped with the latest technology, Kawartha Orthodontics offers a unique competitive advantage that allows you to really develop in your career. With Kawartha being the main orthodontic practice in Peterborough, you get exposed to anything and everything. Whether it be more simple, routine cases to those more complex, there is no shortage of opportunity for you to test and grow your skillset. The practice itself is a financially lucrative opportunity due to its high revenue and controlled costs. Competition in the area is low, and staff competency and tenure are high—a true reflection of their open and supportive environment. Not to mention, the cost of living in this area is significantly lower than that of Toronto, while still only being a stone’s throw away.
What was it like working with Dr. Kaller?
I had such a positive experience working with Dr. Kaller. Coming in as a new graduate, Dr. Kaller was an excellent and patient mentor. He continuously encouraged my curiosity, and I felt confident when asking questions. Not only is Dr. Kaller a great leader, but he is also incredibly knowledgeable regarding didactic and clinical skills. He showed me what it means to be a good leader, and I truly believe that the strong office culture and clinical environment stem from his leadership.
Tell us about your experience with the Kawartha Orthodontics team
From the moment I joined Kawartha Orthodontics, I immediately felt part of the team. Everyone was willing to step in when I needed help and wanted me to succeed. The comfortable and supportive environment quickly allowed me to become successful in the clinic and together we were developing better patient care, which was clearly the ultimate goal of the staff.
What would you say to someone considering this opportunity?
To anyone considering a new opportunity, location always plays an important part and it’s important to keep an open mind. Peterborough has been a place I’ve enjoyed calling home. It has everything you need and has even allowed me to keep up with some of my favourite pastimes of dance and gymnastics. There are large retail stores, quaint coffee shops, cottages on lakes, and the town has both a sports and arts scene, offering different theatres and teams to visit and cheer for. Surrounded by beautiful greenery and historic buildings, it truly is a beautiful town full of kind, welcoming people. An added bonus is its easy accessibility to and from Toronto and Pearson Airport, making it a perfect balance of quiet with access to the busy city if you desire. If you enjoy larger cities, Oshawa is also a nice balance with easy GO Train access to Toronto and is only a quick drive up to Peterborough.
What impactful experiences have you received from your time with Corus that you may not have received in private practice as an Associate Doctor?
Given my military background, I quickly learned the value of being an integral part of a strong, supportive team, which is exactly what Corus offers. During my residency, I actively searched for an environment where I could feel both challenged and supported in my journey to become the best orthodontist I can be. Within Corus, I found a group of exceptional Doctor-Partners, Associate Doctors, and an operations team that offers total and comprehensive support—clinically, emotionally, and professionally. This collaborative environment provided exactly what I was looking for and is the cornerstone that sets Corus apart from all other orthodontic networks—something not typically found in individual private practices.
