Starting a career as an orthodontist is an exciting milestone, but the jump from residency to a busy practice comes with a steep learning curve. With the right supports, new doctors can be set up for success, building capability and confidence. For Dr. Amanda Sigouin, joining Shoreline Orthodontics on Vancouver Island, B.C. was a seamless and rewarding experience, thanks to structured mentorship, a supportive team culture, and a thoughtful onboarding process.
Dr. Sigouin’s journey highlights how effective onboarding not only fosters confidence, but accelerates professional growth, something Corus is passionate about. Through initiatives like our Doctor Excellence Program, we focus on accelerating the development of new doctors, ensuring they can deliver exceptional patient care, drive operational effectiveness at the practice, and excel as a leader.
Meet Dr. Amanda Sigouin
Dr. Sigouin knew early on that orthodontics was where she wanted to be, after braces transformed her own smile at the age of 12. That lit a fire that carried her through dental school, orthodontic residency, and eventually to Shoreline Orthodontics, where she’s now thriving as an Associate Doctor.
Dr. Sigouin completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University and holds a dental degree and orthodontic certification from the University of British Columbia. A Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada since 2023, Dr. Sigouin is dedicated to advancing orthodontics through leadership and professional growth and takes pride in building lasting relationships with her patients.
A Culture That Fosters Growth
From day one, Dr. Sigouin felt welcomed at Shoreline, a practice with a true spirit of teamwork. “Everyone played an important part in my onboarding and training,” she recalls. “I felt supported from the very beginning.”
What stood out most? She shadowed every single role in the practice, and not just the clinical ones. This allowed her to see how everyone’s contributions come together to create a seamless patient experience and helped her integrate and build connections with her new team.
Navigating the Transition from Residency to Practice
One of the biggest shifts for any new orthodontist is adjusting to a higher patient volume. In residency, Dr. Sigouin typically saw 6-10 patients per day, whereas at Shoreline, that number rose to nearly 100. Despite the steep learning curve, she never felt pressured to work beyond her comfort level.
“Because of the practice’s structured workflows and my gradual integration and onboarding process, I was able to learn at my own pace.” – Dr. Amanda Sigouin
Over time, she adapted to the fast-paced nature of the practice, collaborated with orthodontic assistants effectively and found her rhythm with patient appointments. This gradual approach was the perfect concoction to get into the groove and build up her confidence.
Through the Corus Doctor Excellence Program, Dr. Sigouin had access to a structured, milestone-driven clinical development plan that guided her learning month by month. This customizable framework helps new doctors develop clinical skills at their own pace, ensuring they get the right level of exposure and direction during their training.
The Role of Mentorship in a New Doctor’s Success
Mentorship was non-negotiable for Dr. Sigouin when choosing where to begin her career after residency. At Shoreline, she found strong in-practice guidance from senior orthodontists, Dr. Michelle Kosmowski and Dr. Paul Helpard, as well as an entire network of additional support through Corus.
Through the Doctor Excellence Program, doctors can choose their mentors based on their evolving interests and clinical needs. As they grow, they can stay with, switch, or have multiple mentors to learn from while shaping their own clinical approach.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience,” she says. “If I had questions about clinical cases, early interventions, or complex treatment plans, there was always someone I trusted to talk it through with.”
Part of our Doctor Excellence Program includes Clinical Corner, our Associate Doctor Study Club, focused on reviewing complex cases with exceptional doctors in our network. Additionally, we offer quarterly Associate Doctor Community learning sessions that are focused on building clinical expertise, business and financial acumen and strong leadership skills. All this plus monthly meetings with your principal orthodontists to support continuous development.
Accelerating Professional Growth
Reflecting on her journey so far, Dr. Sigouin feels she has developed significantly in a short period of time. From clinical skills to business acumen, her exposure to all aspects of the practice have been instrumental.
“Dr. Helpard often shares that it took him five years to become a truly proficient orthodontist, and his mission is to help new graduates achieve that same level of expertise within just one to two years. As a result, I feel more confident, better integrated into the practice, and my efficiency has significantly improved.” – Dr. Amanda Sigouin
Dr. Sigouin’s story is just one shining example of what’s possible in the right environment with the right support system. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow in new ways, Corus is here to help you at every step.
Curious to learn more and explore what Corus can do for you? Send us a message – we’d love to connect!
