Dr Morissa McCreavy-Roberts shaping smiles, changing lives
Published:Wednesday | March 5, 2025 | 12:06 AM
From a young age, Dr Morissa McCreavy-Roberts knew she was meant to care for others, but her journey was anything but conventional. Trained as an intensive care unit nurse, she later transitioned into dentistry – not just to heal smiles but to transform lives. As the owner of New Hope Dental in Liguanea, St Andrew, she has created more than a practice; it’s a space where compassion meets expertise and quality dental care is a right, not a privilege.
Dr McCreavy-Roberts never imagined herself owning a dental practice, but life led her down an unexpected path. In 2022, after losing her brother, she took time to reflect on her career and the deeper purpose behind her work. “New Hope was birthed out of a need to make my time and my life make sense. I wasn’t happy in a full-time role that left me unfulfilled. I wanted to create something bigger, something that aligned with my values and allowed me to truly help people.”
That mission became New Hope Dental, a practice that blends expert dental care with community impact. At its heart is a free monthly cleaning initiative where under-served individuals receive essential dental exams, cleaning, and oral health guidance. “So many in our community don’t have access to dental care. This initiative keeps us grounded and reminds us why we do what we do.”
Born in Jamaica, Dr McCreavy-Roberts migrated to Canada at eight years old. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Toronto through a collaborative programme with the University of New Brunswick and later completed a Master’s in Clinical Nursing at the University of Toronto. After nearly 25 years abroad, she returned to Jamaica but found nursing didn’t align with her expectations. This realisation led her to pivot into dentistry, where she discovered the perfect blend of science, artistry, and compassionate care.
She completed her five-year dentistry training at The University of the West Indies, Mona, while raising twin boys. “I took a year off when I had my twins, but I returned and completed my training,” she recalls. “That experience taught me patience, not just with others, but with myself.”
As a woman in dentistry and a business owner, she understands the unique challenges women face in the field and believes that education and support systems are crucial in breaking down barriers.
“Many young girls and women lack access to proper education, and even when they do, family responsibilities can make it difficult to commit to intense programmes like dentistry,” she explains. “Having a strong support system, whether it’s family, mentors, or a network of like-minded women, is essential to success.”
Balancing a demanding career, community service, and motherhood requires an intentional approach to time management. “Life gets so busy, so I’ve had to be very deliberate about how I spend my time. For me, it’s about quality over quantity. When I’m with my kids, I focus on meaningful moments that we both enjoy.”
As a mother of twin boys, she has learned that patience is just as important in life as it is in dentistry. “The biggest lesson has been patience, not just with others, but with myself. We set goals and sometimes put too much pressure on ourselves. It’s okay if things don’t always go as planned. The key is to keep moving forward.”
As National Dentist Day approaches on Thursday, Dr McCreavy-Roberts’ message to women everywhere is that: “You can do it. The obstacles may seem overwhelming, but keep pushing. Hold on. Your journey is worth it.”