After a one year dental internship at the University of Manitoba in Community Dentistry, he left Canada to begin graduate studies at the University of London (UK) completing a Master of Science degree in 1988. Upon returning to Canada, Doug worked in Winnipeg for the University of Manitoba in Community Dentistry providing dental care for seniors in long-term care facilities, a geriatric hospital (Deer Lodge Centre), and to traveling to Inuit communities in Nunavut. He was also involved in lecturing to dental students and conducting research on dental health issues for senior and on dental materials. In 1995, Doug refocused his dental career by buying a general dental practice in Winnipeg.