People of the OCQ: Neel
In Nanaimo's Old City Quarter, where heritage buildings, independent businesses, and community connections define the neighbourhood's character, one dental practice has quietly become part of the area's fabric for nearly four decades.
Wentworth Dental, located in a heritage home on Wentworth Street, has cared for generations of local families since 1986. Today, under the ownership of Dr. Neel Minhas, the practice continues its long-standing tradition of personalized care while embracing a new chapter for the future.
"Growing up in Nanaimo, I always imagined building a career here," Neel says. "While studying at Vancouver Island University, I had the opportunity to shadow several local dentists and see firsthand the impact they had on patients and the community."
Those early experiences shaped more than a career choice. They helped Neel understand the unique role dentistry can play in people's lives.
"What struck me was that dentistry combined science, problem-solving, and hands-on skills while allowing me to build long-term relationships with people. I liked the idea that you could help someone immediately while also caring for them over many years."
After attending dental school in Detroit, Michigan, Neel returned home to Nanaimo with the goal of building his future in the community that raised him.
That opportunity arrived in 2017 when he joined the practice founded by Dr. Bruce Senini. When Bruce decided to step back, Dr. Neel Minhas felt a responsibility to continue what had been built.
"What drew me to ownership wasn't simply the opportunity to run a business," he explains. "It was the opportunity to preserve and strengthen something that already meant a great deal to many families in the community. I felt a responsibility to continue the relationships and values that had made the practice successful for four decades while helping guide it into the future."
In 2025, the office was officially renamed Wentworth Dental, a nod to the street and neighbourhood that have been its home since the beginning.
The timing coincided with another significant milestone.
In August 2023, an arson attack severely damaged the building, forcing the practice to relocate while extensive rebuilding took place. What could have been a devastating setback instead became an opportunity to reimagine the clinic while preserving its character.
When patients returned in January 2025, they found a beautifully restored space that blended modern dental technology with the welcoming atmosphere they had always known.
"I felt most proud of this office when we returned to our rebuilt home in January 2025 after nearly 18 months away," says Neel.
The experience reinforced what many already knew: Wentworth Dental is more than a business. It is a community institution built on relationships.
Unlike many modern clinics, Wentworth Dental is housed inside a heritage home built in 1920. The setting creates an atmosphere that patients often find comforting.
"Patients often tell us they feel more like they're visiting a home than a traditional dental clinic," says Neel.
The familiar surroundings are matched by a team whose longevity has helped build trust with generations of patients.
"Many members of our team have been here for years. Patients are greeted by familiar faces and often develop relationships with the staff over time."
Throughout the office, local touches reinforce the connection to Vancouver Island. Custom murals created by a Nanaimo artist celebrate both dentistry and the region's natural beauty. One features a West Coast landscape framed within the shape of a molar, while another offers a playful reminder to "Keep on Flossing."
That community connection extends beyond the walls of the practice and into the surrounding neighbourhood.
"The Old City Quarter is one of Nanaimo's most unique and historic neighbourhoods," says Neel. "I appreciate being part of a neighbourhood that values local connections and supports independent businesses. Many of our patients enjoy being able to combine their dental visit with a stop at one of the nearby cafés, shops, or services, making the area feel like a true community hub."
"We're proud to be part of the Old City Quarter and to contribute to a neighbourhood that has played an important role in Nanaimo's history while continuing to grow and thrive today."
For Neel, that connection is what makes coming to work each day meaningful. The practice may have modernized and the building rebuilt, but its purpose remains the same: caring for neighbours, friends, and families who have trusted the clinic for generations.