DR. APINE DENTAL CLINIC

Jelena graduated the Riga Stradiņš University Faculty of Dentistry more than ten years ago. Extensive experience and her individual approach to each clinical case allows her to treat each patient in the best possible way. Jelena’s strengths are therapeutic dentistry – dental filling and canal treatment, but every mother will admit that Jelena is able to build trust even with the most frightened children. If necessary, Jelena also performs light extractions and small dentures. Also works on children’s teeth under full anaesthesia.

Vitaly Burnashov is our clinic’s surgeon. His skills in jaw and mouth surgery are endless – from simple tooth extraction to complex bone surgery, he can do it all. With the same care and ease he removes a moving tooth, he takes out complex wisdom tooth. The surgeon points out, that nowadays teeth should not be aggressively pulled out, but carefully, using the right tools, removed. However, Vitaly is the most satisfied after complicated operations. He also specialises in a wide range of implant manipulations. Vitaly’s skills and pedantic approach to every case ends in successful results and satisfied patients every day. He does not accept compromises, because he knows that a perfectly done job today will bring satisfaction for the future. Because of Vitaly’s great care and caution, his patients feel secure. Vitaly is constantly attending world class courses and seminars to improve his knowledge and his practical skills. In the last year alone, he attended theoretical and practical courses in Cuba, Hungary and Germany.

Māra graduated the Riga Stradiņš University Faculty of Dentistry and has specialised in dental prosthetics. She has built her experience working in dental clinics in America, Taiwan, Korea and Moscow. She regularly takes part in vocational training and professional courses in order to learn about the modern technologies and modern treatment methods. Māra is the positive spirit of the clinics that charges and unites the collective. “Since the moment I decided to become a dentist, I was dreaming of my own clinic. Making a clinic together with my mother has been an interesting complicate and wonderful time. Every time when entering the clinic I am feeling like at my other home. The key of my success hides in the individual approach I pay to each patient. My highest gratification is a happy patient whom I have helped at obtaining a true and beautiful smile.”

The head doctor Līga Apine is a dentist with over 30 years of experience. With a degree from the Academy of Medicine, the doctor is specialized in orthopaedic dentistry and has valuable experience in dental prosthetics. Dr Apine takes part in dental implantology courses on regular basis. Dr Apine has gained experience in clinics in Moscow, Estonia, Germany, and Italy. Līga regularly attends certified courses and professional seminars so to stay updated to the latest dental treatment trends. Līga will offer every patient a treatment method according to his/her abilities and means and will never reject her advice. “The most sincere gratification comes from the patients who come to the clinic with ‘hopeless’ evaluation of their own teeth but by consistent work we mutually turn ‘the hopelessness’ into a splendid smile.”

Karina Skabeike is our dental hygienist with more than ten year experience. She started her career as a dental technician, but soon understood that she wants to help patients face to face. Karina worked as dental assistant for doctors in Latvia and Germany. She knows how to treat patients with periodontics and she’s interested in the newest innovations and latest trends in dentistry. With her warm smile and cheerful attitude Karina gives joy not only to her patients, but to all of her colleagues as well!

Ruta graduated Riga Stradins University Faculty of Dentistry. She started her medical career as a dental nurse, but soon she realised that her passion is to be a dentist. She has never regretted her decision, because Ruta believes that being a dentist is her true calling. Her biggest strengths are therapeutic dentistry and dental prosthetics. With her lovely attitude and warm smile, she successfully deals with our youngest patients as well. Ruta is very demanding with every dental work she does, so it lasts for the longest time possible. Ruta is the most satisfied when she sees her patients happy and smiling. Nothing is more satisfying than a happy patient! “I enjoy working with patients every day, because a job well done brings joy and satisfaction for a long time. I do my job, so that even in 10 years’ time I can look at it with pride.”

Gunita has been working as a dental hygienist for more than 10 years now. She obtained her education at the Dental Hygienist School of the Latvian Medicine Academy. Additional knowledge and experience has been acquired at the post-graduate courses of the Latvian Academy of Sciences and the Latvian Association of Dental Hygienists. Gunita works pedantically and precisely works with every patient by professionally conducting complete oral hygiene as well as instructing the patients in everyday oral care. “My gratification comes from the patients who listen to my advice and take in consideration my advice of everyday dental care. When we meet again, they have considerably improved their oral hygiene and the progress is apparent.”

Agnese graduated Riga Stradiņš University Faculty of Dentistry and has specialised in dental prosthetics. Agnese is a member of several dental associations, therefore regularly attending world-class conferences and seminars. She has expanded her knowledge in countries such as Switzerland, Germany and Italy. Agneses strength is dental implants and aesthetic anterior dentures. Each patient is carefully examined to provide the best and most appropriate treatment.

Ineta has been a certified dentist since 2010; she studied at Riga Stradiņš University Faculty of Dentistry. Additionally she has obtained experience at certified courses and seminars. Ineta’s strength is endodontics. It matters to her that every patient understands the procedure of treatment and feels safe. Ineta is always beaming and openhearted to both adult and minor patients. “I clearly remember the moment when I decided to become a dentist. I was at the grade 11, was waiting for a bus in the terminal and suddenly it occurred to me. My family were very surprised of the idea as none of our circle was even remotely connected to medicine. However I dare say I am in my right place – I work in the profession that provided me with fulfillment, gratification and a big, big joy for the accomplished.”

Elena Steina graduated the Academy of Medicine and now she is a dentist with more than 25 years of work experience. Elena follows the latest dental trends, technology and the newest innovations in dental materials. She never misses out on a course or a seminar on the latest trends in dentistry in Latvia and abroad. Elena has a lot of experience in therapeutic dentistry, endodontics as well as in dental prosthetics. Elena treats every patient with a special care, because she sees her work as a mission. “I do my job responsibly, so afterwards I can feel delighted and satisfied with the result. Every filling must be placed beautifully, so it lasts for a long long time.”

Marina graduated Riga Stradiņš University Faculty of Dentistry. She regularly increases her knowledge by attending international congresses, seminars and courses. Marina’s performance is characterised by the highest precision and responsibility, she is patient and smiling, especially when taking care of the minor patients. “In dentistry I got interested in the childhood when I was taken to nice, warm-hearted and sweet female doctors. I am treating my patients with love and consideration too so that they would always feel comfortable and safe.”

Sandra Trautmane was born in Venezuela, where she graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry in 1999. She started to train new students in the field of prosthetics shortly after graduation. Sandra got her professor’s degree in Venezuela and has been a university lecturer for almost 20 years. Sandra has published five important publications and has received academic awards for her work in science. Sandra came to Latvia for the first time in 2005 when she worked as a dentist, but returned to her homeland three years later. Currently, Sandra is again in Latvia and considers it to be her home, where she plans to continue and improve her dental career. Sandra keeps up with the latest researches in dentistry, that allows her to learn the latest trends and to develop her theoretical knowledge. Sandra loves her work and treats every patient with great responsibility, care and sincerity.

Annika has graduated from Riga Stradins University “Dental Hygienists” program and has been practicing her profession for several years now. Annika’s strengths are her patience and this will be appreciated by any patient, as she is very attentive and caring. Annika takes her job very seriously, she informs each and every patient about the peculiarities of dental care, teaches how to clean teeth better and recommends the most appropriate care products. Annika uses ultrasound, hand tools, dental floss, tooth polishing and soda in her work. She can also inform and instruct patient about teeth whitening.

Silva graduated the Riga Stradiņš University, Faculty of Dentistry . Her biggest strength is therapeutic dentistry. Silvas’s passion is aesthetic sealing. Aesthetic sealing is one of the most common procedures of cosmetic dentistry which is for patients who are seeking an obvious change in their smile. During the procedure, cracked or damaged teeth are being restored by using white coloured aesthetic dental fillings, thanks to which the result is looking very natural and long lasting. Silva has gained her experience in conferences in Latvia and been to an experience exchange in Italy Europe. Silva continues to improve her knowledge and skills both in Latvia and Europe.

Hardijs graduated Latvian Academy of Medicine Faculty of Pediatrics in 1993 and obtained the qualification of an anesthesiologist-resuscitator. From 2003 to 2013, he was the head of the Anesthesia Department of the Children’s Clinical University Hospital. At the same time, he works at the Children’s Clinical University Hospital, the Latvian-American Eye Center and the Cleft Lip and Face Center at Riga Stradins University. From 2004 to 2016 he is a member of the board of the Latvian Association of Anesthesiologists-Resuscitators. Hardijs is also a lecturer of practical classes at Riga Stradins University and the University of Latvia. Regularly attends international congresses to add to his professional knowledge.

Madara graduated Riga Stradins University Faculty of Dentistry and has been working in the dental profession for several years now. She started her career as a general dentist, but also found great interest in prosthetics and endodontics. Madara does her work with great care and focus so every patient feels safe. Madara’s interest in dentistry is endless, she keeps adding to her knowledge every day. Madara is currently writing her dissertation on the oral mucosa. On daily basis she manages to do her research, work with patients and finds time to attend the latest courses and seminars both in Latvia and in the world.

Dr. Ilze Prikule holds a doctor’s degree from Riga Stradins University, Faculty of Medicine, as well as one in dentistry, as she plans to have a career in oral surgery. Helping people has been her mission since childhood. This is also proved by her work in emergency care in both day and night shifts. Ilze’s skills include not only therapeutic dental treatment, but also more complex surgical manipulations and extractions. With her smile and irresistible charisma, Ilze is able to understand both adult patients and children. Ilze has been in our clinic for several years, she has become an important part of our team.