Dental Team
We hope these biographies will put you at ease to know some things about the face behind the mask.
Dr. Marryum Ali, Dr. Penkala, and Dr. Halstead truly enjoy providing dentistry to you and your family in a relaxing and informative way. They look forward to your visit at West Landing Dental!
Dr. Mike Penkala
Hi and welcome to West Landing Dental!
To the patients of West Landing Dental I am known as just “Dr. Mike”. Since we opened West Landing Dental in 1999, I have thoroughly enjoyed building a dental practice where I have a trusting relationship with my patients. This trusting relationship I have with my patients starts with honesty. I always give my honest opinion on a dental problem and strive to give a solution that is best for my patient. I believe that there also has to be joy and laughter in life, and dentistry should not be an exception. I will always get a laugh from a nervous child if I ask them “are you married yet” or “are you here for a haircut”.
Being from Saskatchewan, I grew up on a family farm outside of Melfort. Going to the University of Saskatchewan was a natural progression where I received my Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry in 1992. After an associateship in Regina, as well as in Kingston, Ontario, Dr. Harach and I decided to settle in Regina and open our own dental practice. Since graduating in 1992, there have been some amazing advances in dental technology. However, I believe that the technology should not replace developing a relationship with a patient; but rather the technology should make your dental experience better and more comfortable.
I especially enjoy doing orthodontics for my patients. I have received extra training under Dr. Richard Litt (FORCE Int.) and Dr. Coco Garcia (International Straight Wire and Orthopedic Seminars Inc.). I am also a registered Invisalign provider.
I have served as the President of the Regina Dental Society and have volunteered at the SIAST Free Dental Day for the past 3 years.
When I’m not working
Outside of work, I really enjoy working on my acreage. The day-to-day chores remind me of my youth, and are very satisfying. I also enjoy curling, golfing, alpine skiing and any activity with my family.
When I’m not working
I enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends. My hobbies include snowboarding, golfing, crafting and sewing. My life passion is hockey, I love watching, playing and even coaching girls hockey. In my first year of coaching the U15 A Swift Current Colts we won the league which was a once in a lifetime experience. I look forward to being involved in the female hockey community in Regina with hopefully the same success
Dr. Ashley Halstead
Hello and welcome to West Landing Dental!
My name is Dr. Ashley Halstead and I’m thrilled to be joining this amazing clinic. West Landing Dental holds a special place in my heart as I have been a patient here since I was a child and it was always my dream to work here. Dr. Mike’s fun, easy going and honest attitude towards his patients was the reason I pursued a career in dentistry. I strive to make every patient’s experience as comfortable and light as I can and I will always greet you with a smile on my face.
I value a comprehensive approach to patient care and teamwork with my colleagues to give every patient the best experience possible. I aim to empower my patients with the knowledge and understanding to make the best decisions for their dental health. I love doing restorative dentistry and Invisalign treatment, however all areas of dentistry fascinate me. I look forward to developing relationships and trust with the wonderful patients here at West Landing Dental.
Prior to pursuing my career in dentistry, I attended the University of Regina where I convocated in 2016 with my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Degree with distinction. Following that I graduated from the University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry with my DMD degree in 2020. After finishing at the University of Saskatchewan I moved to Swift Current where I practiced general dentistry for 2 years and I gained invaluable experiences and knowledge that I look forward to bringing with me to West Landing Dental.
Dr. Ashley Halstead
Hello and welcome to West Landing Dental!
My name is Dr. Ashley Halstead and I’m thrilled to be joining this amazing clinic. West Landing Dental holds a special place in my heart as I have been a patient here since I was a child and it was always my dream to work here. Dr. Mike’s fun, easy going and honest attitude towards his patients was the reason I pursued a career in dentistry. I strive to make every patient’s experience as comfortable and light as I can and I will always greet you with a smile on my face.
I value a comprehensive approach to patient care and teamwork with my colleagues to give every patient the best experience possible. I aim to empower my patients with the knowledge and understanding to make the best decisions for their dental health. I love doing restorative dentistry and Invisalign treatment, however all areas of dentistry fascinate me. I look forward to developing relationships and trust with the wonderful patients here at West Landing Dental.
Prior to pursuing my career in dentistry, I attended the University of Regina where I convocated in 2016 with my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Degree with distinction. Following that I graduated from the University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry with my DMD degree in 2020. After finishing at the University of Saskatchewan I moved to Swift Current where I practiced general dentistry for 2 years and I gained invaluable experiences and knowledge that I look forward to bringing with me to West Landing Dental.
When I’m not working
I enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends. My hobbies include snowboarding, golfing, crafting and sewing. My life passion is hockey, I love watching, playing and even coaching girls hockey. In my first year of coaching the U15 A Swift Current Colts we won the league which was a once in a lifetime experience. I look forward to being involved in the female hockey community in Regina with hopefully the same success
Dr. Marryum Ali
My name is Dr. Marryum Ali and it has been a great pleasure to be a part of the amazing team here at West Landing Dental Centre. Dentistry to me is a perfect blend of both art and science; being someone who loves attention to detail and working with my hands, it easily became a natural passion. I enjoy getting to know my patients and ensuring they are provided with a comfortable, high quality experience during their visits.
I graduated from the University of Regina with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology. I then obtained my DMD from the University of Saskatchewan, College of Dentistry in 2021. After graduation, I was given the opportunity to join the West Landing Dental Centre team.
My top priority when it comes to my patients is a pleasant and positive experience. I believe it is very important to take a personalized approach when addressing a patient’s concern to ensure patients are receiving excellent care. Although I love all aspects of dentistry, I am especially passionate about cosmetic and restorative procedures.
When I’m not working
I love spending time with my friends and family. A few of my hobbies include painting, pottery, and reading. I also enjoy travelling, with Vancouver being one of my favorite destinations. I look forward to seeing you in my dental chair and helping you achieve all your dentistry goals!