About Your
Nanaimo Dentist

Dentistry is Sandy’s second career. He originally ran a boat building/repair company in Steveston, but wanted to feel more fulfilled. Dentistry was a prefect fit, for it allows him to work with his hands and build a long-lasting relationship with his patients. Sandy is passionate about dentistry and making a difference in peoples lives. He believes everyone has a right to have a healthy mouth and a smile they are proud of. He finds dentistry very rewarding, whether it is creating a beautiful smile, or helping a nervous patient overcome their fear, or taking someone out of pain and making an unhealthy mouth healthy.

Sandy graduated from UBC Dental School in 1995, and has owned Woodgrove Dental Clinic since 1996. He has strived to stay current with all the emerging trends and materials in dentistry. Whether it is simple fillings, invisalign, or total mouth rehabilitation. He is a faculty member at SPEAR Dental Education based out of Scottsdale, AZ.

When not in the office, Sandy spends time with his wife and two daughters, sailing, horse riding, hiking, and working around his mini ranch in Lantzville. He is currently working on restoring his old muscle cars and sailing as much as possible.

Dr. Rustin  grew up in the lower mainland on a small hobby farm and after receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Simon Fraser University he attended UBC’s dental degree program with Dr. Sandy Thomson, both graduating in 1995. After meeting his wife Rhonda, in Terrace, BC, they moved to Nanaimo where they raised their 4 children. Hockey, soccer, taekwondo, and playdates ruled the days for many years. During this time, Dr. Abdurahman also participated in many different continuing education courses and study clubs including a range of disciplines from orthodontics, root canals and dental surgeries. His most impactful continuing educational experience was the Spear Education Faculty Club and helping Dr. Ed Murdoch mentor the Spear Education Club. “Dr. Frank Spear and Spear Education are world class. My experience there elevated my diagnostic and clinical skills to a level which allows me to treat even the most challenging cases with confidence.”

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Abdurahman’s time is spent kiteboarding, surfing, mountain biking and having fun in the beautiful, outdoor playland on Vancouver Island.

Dr. Henry Zhang hails from the beautiful harbour city of Nanaimo. From his early days running around the playground at Park Avenue Elementary School to long hours with textbooks at Vancouver Island University, he always had a passion for science and a desire to help others.

He was naturally drawn to a hands-on health profession, which eventually led him to the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry, where he immersed himself in the world of dental care. His thirst for knowledge built a strong foundation, which he further strengthened while working in rural Ontario, particularly Kenora. Serving communities with high dental needs, especially due to the vast Indigenous reserves around the area, he found a deep sense of purpose helping others, particularly those suffering from toothaches.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Zhang enjoys staying active, whether at the gym or perfecting his skills on the basketball court. But most importantly, he treasures spending quality time with his close-knit group of friends and family, enjoying both nights out and quiet moments at home.

Dr. Zhang is thrilled to be back in his hometown and looks forward to meeting you!