Vancouver Dentists

Our Great Staff & Services

	Trudy, Receptionist/Manager - Downtown Dental Trudy comes to us with over 25 years experience. She began her dental career assisting in general dentistry and oral surgery. She expanded her career by designing and teaching the dental reception program at Vancouver School Board. As a result, her knowledge of treatment procedures is excellent. It is a very complicated job dealing with hundreds of different insurance plans, and Trudy will work with you to ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled.
	Zoë, Practice Administrator - MAX Dental Zoë's 15 years of experience in health care is diverse; from the management of family and cosmetic dental practices, periodontic and prosthodontic practices, the coordination of dental study clubs, dental supply sales, and the management of a multi-doctor OB/GYN practice, her passion for the health profession grows stronger with each passing year. Outside of work, Zoë enjoys quality time with her husband, daughters and grandchildren, helping local charities, baking, sewing, skiing, and professional development courses.
	Doreen, Receptionist - Downtown Dental Doreen graduated from the BCIT dental reception course at the top of her class in August 2002 after completing the Office Administration Program at Vancouver Community College. She has been with our team since then and her administrative knowledge is an asset to our office.
	Tara, Receptionist - Downtown Dental Tara comes to us with experience in oral and cosmetic surgery. She graduated from the Dental Assisting Program at the Ontario Business College in 1998. She also took the Dental Receptionist course at St. Clair College. She is a newcomer to Vancouver and when not working, she enjoys spending time with her two teenage daughters.
	Julie, Dental Hygienist - Downtown Dental Julie, our gentle hygienist is passionate about her work in helping patients achieve optimum health. She has been a hygienist for over 6 years and a chair side assistant for 10 years before that. Julie began working with us five years ago, took time off to have a baby, and we are now happy that she is willing to make the trip from Squamish to take care of our patients.
	Melina, Dental Hygienist - Downtown Dental Melina graduated from UBC in 2007 with a Bachelor in Dental Sciences. She enjoys providing patients with a relaxing and pain-free hygiene experience. She recently moved downtown from White Rock to be closer to the office and loves everything Vancouver has to offer (especially the concerts!).
	Danja, Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) - Downtown Dental Our dentists rely upon Danja’s expertise. She has worked with us for the past 8 years and has been a CDA for 12 years. Danja enjoys helping improve people’s smiles and their self- confidence: as she often says, that is the best part of her job. When she isn't working, she is spending time with her husband and 2 children.
	Lee, Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) - MAX Dental Lee has been a CDA for 29 years and has worked with Dr Drance on and off for over 22 years. Dr Drance counts on her loyalty and support and values her esthetic eye and artistic ability. She has also been a goldsmith and jewelry designer for the past 18years. We are thrilled to have her back full time.
	Inder, Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) - Downtown Dental Inder's warm and caring approach as our certified dental assistant allows our patients to have a comfortable and relaxing experience. She was born and raised on Vancouver Island and graduated 13 years ago from Malaspina University College. She enjoys helping patients improve their smiles and seeing them achieve great results. When she isn't working hard, she is spending time with her husband and 2 children and enjoying their new home.
	Angela, Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) - Downtown Dental Angela graduated from Camosun College in 2004 and comes to us with experience in cosmetic, surgical, and naturalpathic dentistry. When she isn't hard at work, she enjoys cooking, painting and dancing through life.
	Kathryn, Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) - MAX Dental Kathryn has been with the practice for three years and sits on the Board of Directors for the Certified Dental Assistants Association of BC. Born and raised in Burnaby, BC, Kathryn completed the dental assisting program at Douglas College. In her spare time, she loves to play golf and is Team Captain of her indoor soccer team. Kathryn's dedication to the profession is reflected in her ability to ensure our patients comfort in the office.
	Dr. Mario Esposito, Dentist - Downtown Dental Dr. Esposito was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1989 is a BSc in Biochemistry and then entered the Faculty of Dentistry at UBC, graduating in 1993. He has been practicing general dentistry in Vancouver since June 1993 and has taken numerous post graduate courses in Endodontics, Cosmetic Dentistry, Laser Dentistry and particularly Orthodontics. The last three years, Dr. Esposito has taken numerous continuing education courses focusing on TMJ (jaw joint) dysfunction and treatment - including laser headache therapy. More
	Dr. Amin Shivji, Dentist - MAX Dental was born in Africa and moved to Vancouver in 1973. He graduated with Dr. Esposito from the University of British Columbia in 1989 with a BSc in Biology and entered the Faculty of Dentistry at UBC, graduating in 1993. He has been practicing general dentistry in Vancouver since 1993 and has taken numerous postgraduate courses in Occlusion, Gum Surgery, Cosmetic and Laser Dentistry. For the last four years, Dr. Shivji has focused on cosmetic dentistry. More
	Dr. Michael Drance, Dentist - Downtown Dental Dr. Michael Drance has been working as a dentist in downtown Vancouver for 27 years. He has taken countless hours of extra training in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry (just like on Extreme Makeover), laser dentistry, TMJ, headache and migraine treatment. Dr. Drance has a loyal following of patients, not only from British Columbia, but also from Canada and other countries, including the United States, Hong Kong and others in Europe and South America. More
	Dr. Mariam Sourial, DDS - MAX Dental Dr. Mariam Sourial was born in Egypt where she received her dental degree from the University of Alexandria, graduating with honours in 1997. After working as a dentist in Egypt for several years, she and her family immigrated to Canada where she received her second dental degree from the University of Toronto. More
	Dr. Clarence Wong, Dentist - MAX Dental Graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2003 and has been practicing general dentistry in British Columbia since then. Over the years, he has devoted countless hours to continuing education courses and study clubs to better existing skills as well as acquire new ones in the growing field of dentistry. Dr. Wong has special interests in the areas of endodontics and dental implants. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Wong is an avid cyclist and snowboarder. Also, he shares the love of motorsports with Dr. Drance. More

Our Services

General dentistry

We provide a lot of this type of treatment, which includes keeping the gums and tooth-supporting bones healthy: we want you to keep your teeth for a lifetime. With our help, and some effort on your part at home, this is an achievable goal. Teeth require maintenance and when your older fillings break down, teeth fracture or wear down: we can restore their function and appearance. Utilizing all of the materials, equipment and techniques available today, our dentists can make dental treatment a pleasant experience. Learn more about your initial visit...

Cosmetic Dentistry

Our dentists have been interviewed on television and in magazines about their work in cosmetic dentistry. The happiest patients we have are those who have decided to improve their smiles. We know that many people hate their teeth, but are completely unaware how we might give them a new, beautiful smile. You might have seen the TV show “Extreme Makeover". Our dentists can give you that same smile right here in Vancouver. We use a combination of porcelain veneers, crowns, teeth whitening, orthodontics, and laser gum recontouring: the results are incredible! This is truly a life-changing experience and we have seen the difference it makes in people’s lives many times. It is the most rewarding gift you can give yourself. Come in and we will give you an idea of what is possible. Learn more about cosmetic dentistry...

No Mercury fillings!

Our dentists have not used the mercury containing fillings for over twenty years, long before some of the health questions about mercury were being raised. While still an area of debate, the use of mercury has been banned by many countries and Health Canada has recommended limiting the number of fillings that contain mercury in children and pregnant women. The tooth-coloured fillings are much more difficult and more expensive to place, but our dentists use techniques developed over that time to make them very successful. The added benefit is that the tooth-coloured fillings help to strengthen the tooth.

Teeth Whitening

Our dentists have been whitening teeth for 20 years and have discovered the most favourable laser-bleaching technique called "Deep Bleaching™" we also offer the conventional custom take home trays which work well, but this new technique is superior. If you are perfectly happy with the size and shape of your teeth, but would like to see them whiter, this is the answer. Learn more about Teeth Whitening...

Treatment of Chronic Headaches, Migraines and Facial Pain (TMJ symptoms)

Most facial pain and headaches are muscular in nature. It has been discovered that most headache sufferers clench and grind their teeth at nighttime while they are sleeping. Dr. Drance was the first in Vancouver to use the elegant and small NTI device that has been successful in eliminating many people’s suffering. We have been able to help about 80% of those clients who suffer from migraine headaches, which are difficult to treat, by reducing their symptoms. You might have seen Dr. Drance on Canada AM being interviewed about his use of this NTI device.

In some cases, reconstructing worn teeth, or replacing missing teeth can also help headache patients.

Dental treatment of Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring is a huge problem for many people. Various treatments, including laser surgery, have had some success. Snoring is a result of the vibration of the soft tissues in the back of the throat. At night, when the jaw and tongue drop back, the airway is reduced and vibration occurs. Utilizing a dental appliance that keeps the jaw forward, many people have found a great reduction in their snoring. Some people who suffer from snoring also have sleep apnea, which usually goes undiagnosed. If you are a poor sleeper, do not wake up feeling refreshed, and often feel tired during the day, this could be your problem. Sleep apnea has been called “the silent killer,” as fatigue can result in many accidents. Our dentists have specific training in the diagnosis and appliance fabrication for these conditions. Learn more about Snoring or Sleep Apnea

Sedation Dentistry

Many people are very apprehensive about having dental treatment. Our dentists recognize this fact, and offer a pill that alleviates anxiety, which is taken before your appointment. Many patients find that they are sufficiently relaxed to fall asleep during their treatment. Please let us know if you feel that sedation dentistry might help you.

Our High-Tech Equipment

We are proud to use the new technology available in dentistry today. This equipment allows us to work more efficiently and comfortably than ever before! Some of the latest additions include:

Digital x-rays – Up to 90% less radiation than before (which was already very low). No more miniature x-rays -- you can easily view them on our monitor -- and no more waiting for them to develop.

Intra-oral cameras -- Now you can see the condition of your teeth the way we do. It is otherwise difficult for you to know what we are talking about. This camera allows you to be a more active participant in your own dental health.

Laser Cavity detection – This equipment enables us to find small cavities substantially earlier than with older methods of detection and means that we can often do very small fillings, often without anesthetic, to avoid the necessity of a larger filling.

Laser Gum therapy – Gum disease is likely the most common chronic infection in our body. Incorporating Laser Gum therapy into our therapy can reduce the need for costly and uncomfortable gum surgery.

The Wand – This computer-controlled anesthetic delivery system allows us to isolate and numb the tooth we are working on, and prevent you from suffering the full tongue numbness that makes it difficult to talk and eat after your appointment.

Learn More About:

Cosmetic Dental Makeovers, Whitening & More

Initial visitSince you may have periodontal disease without experiencing any symptoms, we perform a thorough examination using X-rays and a periodontal probe. Healthy gums fit tight against the teeth and have no pockets. When the bone levels fall as a result of - more...

Sleep ApneaAs many as ten percent of working-age men suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that causes them to repeatedly stop breathing for as long as ten seconds at a time, night after night - more...

Treat These Conditions

Snoring, Sleep Apnea, Gum Disease & more

• CEREC (restore damaged teeth in a single visit)
• Headaches
• TMD (Temporomandibular dysfunction)
• Sleep Apnea
• Snoring
• Gum Disease
• Bruxism

We Also Offer These Services

General and Specialized Dentistry

• Teeth Whitening
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Bonding

Best Dentist in Vancouver

Voted "Best Dentist" Westender and Georgia Straight three years in a row.

Selected as the Vancouver dentist for Cirque du Soleil.