Meet Our Team

Our team of dental professionals are committed to making your concerns our top priority.

DR. PETER KHAOULI

Dentist

I’m Dr. Peter Khaouli, co-owner and Dentist at Liberty Dental Centre in Bowmanville. I graduated from the University of Toronto where I received my Honours B. Sc. in Biology. I later earned my Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. After graduating dental school, I obtained further advanced training and completed a hospital-based residency program at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, NY and completed a dental implant residency at the University of Toronto.

Being a dentist is a great privilege, and I look forward to helping patients for many years to come. I strongly believe that quality care begins with patient education, and I strive to educate my patients on the importance of good oral hygiene. I stay current with all the latest advances in the profession through continuing education courses and seminars. What I love most about being a dentist is getting to know my patients while helping them create a healthy smile in a relaxed and caring environment.

Outside of dentistry, I enjoy playing hockey, traveling, and spending time with my wife and two young daughters.

DR. MATTHEW BALENKO

Dentist

I’m Dr. Matthew Balenko, co-owner and Dentist at Liberty Dental Centre in Bowmanville. I attended McMaster University where I received my Honours Bachelor of Science as well as my Masters in Medical Sciences & Pharmacology. I then earned my Doctorate of Dental Surgery with Implant Surgery Honours at New York University developing my skills and gaining entry into the prestigious Implant Surgery department. There, I was awarded the Dean’s award and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry award for my work in NYC. Coming back to Canada I am now a member of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons, the Ontario Dental Association, Canadian Dental Association, American Dental Association and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

I enjoy the challenges of cosmetic and implant dentistry where I believe continuing education is the key to success. By keeping up to date with the latest advances in the profession, we can offer those services to our patients.

I strongly believe that proper patient education is the fundamental concept to quality care. Understanding how to improve one’s oral habits is the first step to maintaining oral health and preventing oral disease.

Outside of dentistry, I enjoy cooking, hockey and traveling.

DR. KARL VERMEULEN

Dentist

I’m Dr. Karl Vermeulen and on behalf of myself and all of our staff I want to welcome you to Liberty Dental. I was born and raised in this area and have always lived here, enjoying all that this area has to offer.I attended Queens University before going to the University of Toronto where I earned my Doctor of Dental Surgery. I am a member of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons, the Ontario Dental Association, the Academy of Laser Dentistry, and the Toronto Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. I graduated from the LVI Global Institute where I received post-doctorate training in advanced diagnostic, occlusal and aesthetic dentistry.

My philosophy is to bring the most up-to-date dentistry to our patients, always keeping their best interests as our top priority while being mindful of their preconceived fears. I feel strongly that our patients will not be afraid if they know they’ll always be treated with respect and kindness. I enjoy the challenge of dramatically improving smiles, from minor changes all the way to complete smile makeovers.

My hobbies include playing guitar, golf, and spending time with my beautiful daughters and son.

DR. SHAWN YOUNG

Periodontist

I’m Dr. Shawn Young, a periodontist at Liberty Dental Centre in Bowmanville. I have been practicing in Durham Region since 1995. I graduated from Boston University with a Doctorate in Dental Medicine in 1991 and Periodontics (MSD, CAGS) in 1995. Following graduation from dental school, I completed a one year dental internship at the University of Western Ontario, Faculty of Dentistry, where I practiced general and emergency dentistry at University Hospital and Victoria Hospital. I am a former Associate in Dentistry, University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry where I was a part-time clinical instructor with the Department of Periodontology for approximately a decade. I am currently an interviewer for the incoming dental class, a position I have held since 2009. I focus my practice on non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy. I am also an active member of the Ontario Dental Association.

Outside of dentistry, I have a passion for history, mowing the lawn, my two dogs, my cat and cheering on the Blue Jays and Maple Leafs! I have two young adult children pursuing their dreams. One studying to be a paramedic in BC, and the other at home in business school. In the summers, I can be found visiting Pigeon Lake where my wife is a camp director for summer program for children with unique life challenges. I love being part of the team at Liberty Dental Centre, serving the wonderful community of Bowmanville.

DR. BILL WICKENS

Dentist

I’m Dr. Bill Wickens, a Dentist at Liberty Dental Centre in Bowmanville, where I provide IV sedation surgery to any patients that require it to make their experience more comfortable. I earned an Honours B.Sc. in Zoology from the University of Western Ontario which explains my passion for all animals. I received my Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Toronto, followed by a dental internship at Toronto General Hospital.

I am deeply passionate about the craft of dentistry and take great joy in offering patients options to alleviate dental anxiety and other health concerns that may hinder them from receiving regular dental care. As a member of the Ontario Dental Society of Anaesthesiology, I am committed to staying informed of the latest advances and techniques in the field.

I am the father of two beautiful girls, love flying, photography, scuba diving and all of my pets.