About Our Practice & Team in Hamilton

Dr. Paul Kinson, one of Upper Gage Dental Centre’s co-founders, graduated from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry in 1978. That same year, he and Dr. Jim Kivinen (now retired) opened Upper Gage Dental Centre to serve the growing community of Hamilton.

He practices general dentistry and has thoroughly enjoyed serving the community since 1978. Dr. Kinson focuses on restorations, crowns, and bridges.

Dr. Matthew Rydant graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2006. That same year, he entered into private practice at Upper Gage Dental Centre.

Dr. Rydant is a general dentist who enjoys all aspects of dentistry, particularly cosmetic, family, and pediatric dentistry. If he had to choose a favourite treatment, he’d pick endodontics, more commonly known as root canals. He thrives on providing quality care in a trusting environment.

Dr. Rydant and Dr. Judith Kivinen are married with 3 children: Hazel, Noam, and Jemma. When he’s not working, you may find him on the local golf course or indulging in some delectable food.

Dr. Judith Kivinen joined the Upper Gage Dental Centre team in 2007 after completing a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2007.

She is a general dentist who enjoys oral surgery and carries out most of the oral surgeries in the practice. She also likes to use implants when possible to fill arches and replace teeth (single or multiple).

Dr. Matthew Rydant and Dr. Judith Kivinen are married with 3 children: Hazel, Noam, and Jemma. Outside of work, Dr. Kivinen enjoys art and podcasts.

Dr. John Gregory (Greg) Wallace grew up in North Bay, Ontario, and enjoys all aspects of dentistry, particularly oral surgery and restoring teeth. Dr. Wallace holds the degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Bio-Medical Science from the University of Guelph. He graduated as a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 2011 from the University of Western Ontario. Upon graduation, Dr. Wallace received the LDDS Scholarship Award for Clinical & Academic Excellence.

Aside from dentistry, Dr. Wallace’s other passion is hockey. He has been an avid hockey player since he was 3 years old. When he’s not practicing dentistry, Dr. Wallace enjoys spending time with his 3 children, reading, and playing trivia and games.

Dr. Ryan Margel, originally from Toronto, is our endodontist specialist who focuses in root canals. In 2009, Dr. Margel obtained his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

He then went on to work as a general dentist for 2 years prior to embarking on a 2-year specialty program at Marquette University in Endodontics. His master’s thesis investigated the anatomical complexities of molar root canals. Dr. Margel is a fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, and a member of the American Association of Endodontists.

In his spare time, he loves spending time with his 3 children, and enjoys sports, exercise, and travelling.