Having watched her beloved father, Dr. Marcus Hunzinger, provide outstanding care at his Winnipeg practice, Dr. Vanessa Hunzinger developed a passion for dentistry at a very early age. After obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree on the Dean’s Honour list, she completed her Doctor of Medical Dentistry from the University of Manitoba College of Dentistry in 2014 with Honours.

Following graduation, she joined her father in general practice, where he mentored her. As a lifelong learner, she returned to school, completed a Fellowship in Implantology, and, after being introduced to academia as a part-time clinical instructor, joined the Restorative Department full-time in 2018. She continues to work four days as an assistant professor at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, lecturing in operative dentistry and supervising dental students who provide treatment in the University’s dental clinic.

After her father’s tragic passing in 2023, Creating Smiles became Dr. Hunzinger’s new dental home. As a former colleague and friend of her father’s, Dr. Friesen has taken her under his wing, passing on knowledge and insight from his extensive experience in all dental disciplines. She aims to provide comprehensive and individualized care to each of her patients, demonstrating kindness, compassion, and integrity.

Outside the operatory, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and kids at the remote family cabin in Shoal Lake, Ontario. Whether boating in the summer or sledding in the winter, her rescue husky mix, LuLu, always comes along for the ride.