OUR DENTISTS
Dentists Proudly Serving Patients From Maple Ridge & Surrounding Areas
Serving Maple Ridge and Surrounding Areas
Dr. Tarn Dhillon
B.SC., D.M.D., Dentist
Having been to the doctor/dentist one too many times for my own liking while growing up, I can honestly say that I am very familiar with the patient experience. From early on in my education, I knew that I was interested, not only in a clinical/scientific path, but also in helping those in my community. A career in dentistry has provided me with the ability to practice science and compassion on a daily basis. It is very rewarding to be able to make a difference in the lives of my patients.
Born and raised in Abbotsford, BC, I graduated from the University of British Columbia, where I received both my Bachelor of Science in Biology as well as a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. After graduation, I chose to practice in northern BC, more specifically, Prince George, where I gained a great deal of work and life experience. My return to the Lower Mainland was inevitable as it was always my dream to serve those in my community.
My practice philosophy is to improve the dental well-being of patients, and to develop trusting, and meaningful relationships with patients, all while making a positive contribution to the community at large.
I am an active member of the Canadian Dental Association, and the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia. I enjoy attending continuing education courses to stay up-to-date with the latest advances in the various fields of dentistry. Over the past four years I have participated in many volunteer programs which have allowed me to travel to Vietnam, New York, and rural BC, among others. These experiences have given me the opportunity to provide care for underserved populations, and opened my eyes to the world around me.
Outside of work, I like to spend much of my spare time participating in team sports and being active. I am an avid basketball, football, and hockey fan. In the summer, I enjoy spending time at the beach, and traveling to new destinations. I take a great deal of pleasure in meeting new people, learning about different cultures, and trying new types of food.
Being raised in a tight-knit home, I embrace strong family values. Maintaining long lasting friendships is very important to me, both in and out of the work setting. I encourage open communication with patients, and I am committed to treating each individual with the utmost care and respect to make their dental visit a pleasant experience.
Dr. Tarn Dhillon
B.Sc., D.M.D., Dentist
Having been to the doctor/dentist one too many times for my own liking while growing up, I can honestly say that I am very familiar with the patient experience. From early on in my education, I knew that I was interested, not only in a clinical/scientific path, but also in helping those in my community. A career in dentistry has provided me with the ability to practice science and compassion on a daily basis. It is very rewarding to be able to make a difference in the lives of my patients.
Born and raised in Abbotsford, BC, I graduated from the University of British Columbia, where I received both my Bachelor of Science in Biology as well as a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. After graduation, I chose to practice in northern BC, more specifically, Prince George, where I gained a great deal of work and life experience. My return to the Lower Mainland was inevitable as it was always my dream to serve those in my community.
My practice philosophy is to improve the dental well-being of patients, and to develop trusting, and meaningful relationships with patients, all while making a positive contribution to the community at large.
I am an active member of the Canadian Dental Association, and the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia. I enjoy attending continuing education courses to stay up-to-date with the latest advances in the various fields of dentistry. Over the past four years I have participated in many volunteer programs which have allowed me to travel to Vietnam, New York, and rural BC, among others. These experiences have given me the opportunity to provide care for underserved populations, and opened my eyes to the world around me.
Outside of work, I like to spend much of my spare time participating in team sports and being active. I am an avid basketball, football, and hockey fan. In the summer, I enjoy spending time at the beach, and traveling to new destinations. I take a great deal of pleasure in meeting new people, learning about different cultures, and trying new types of food.
Being raised in a tight-knit home, I embrace strong family values. Maintaining long lasting friendships is very important to me, both in and out of the work setting. I encourage open communication with patients, and I am committed to treating each individual with the utmost care and respect to make their dental visit a pleasant experience.
Dr. Kimberley Dugdale
B.Sc., D.M.D., Dentist
I began writing this by listing all the usual stats, but then I thought it may be just as important to instead express some of the reasons that I still look forward to coming to work each day. Let me share with you some of the things that make me appreciate my life’s work as much as I really do.
For one thing, the opportunity I have to change someone’s life by cosmetically remaking their smile is a little life changing for me too. Seeing the confidence return to a person who has undergone a smile makeover gives meaning to what we do here at Westgate Dental Centre. When we see that we can provide someone with a new outlook on life, and know that we have made someone’s world a little better, it is awesome! Can you imagine us doing this for you or someone you love who is just waiting to show the world the smile they’ve tucked away because it has embarrassed them or undermined their self-confidence? We know that a smile can open doors as well as hearts, and it is a terrible thing to hide away from the world and those we love. This isn’t to say that we don’t also enjoy caring for those who already have a great smile; guiding a motivated person to maintain excellent oral health is our mandate and goal for every patient we see – at every age.
Another aspect of my work that matters to me is being given the opportunity to change someone’s view on “the dental experience.” For a variety of reasons, not everyone enjoys a visit to the dentist…really! In fact, less than 50% of people who have dental insurance benefits actually go to the dentist. That tells me that something has gone wrong here. Be it a negative childhood experience, a failure to receive adequate numbing, a sense of being judged with condescension or a case of old fashioned dental phobia, this is something we have the know-how to change at the Westgate Dental Centre.
Just keeping it real here, I do appreciate that not everyone will love being here as much as we do. We are mindful that you really don’t have to be extremely positive about receiving dentistry; you may just want to get through it, and we are here for you with a helping hand, the understanding and the TLC that will enable you to enjoy your dental health goals, and the healthy smile we think everyone deserves.
I cannot think of a better day at work than when I receive a hug from a child who, at the end of their appointment, didn’t realize we had already removed their tooth. When I see a smile of gratitude from someone after we finished restoring a tooth that they felt certain was unsalvageable, or when we are rewarded with a giant smile after brightening someone’s smile before their big day – that makes my day.
These are the things that motivate and inspire us to work as hard as we do for you here at Westgate Dental Centre.
I am truly grateful to be able to work in this community, and in a practice with such a fabulous group of gifted, and generous individuals, and with patients whom I have come to know as friends, and who are like family.
Dr. Stacey Kalsi
B.Sc., M.S., D.D.S., Dentist
Dr. Kevin Yang
B.Sc. (hon), D.M.D., Dentist
Dr. Trevor Lavia
B.Sc., D.M.D., Dentist
I was born and raised in Maple Ridge, B.C. and was a patient of Dr. Dugdale and Westgate Dental growing up! I had fond memories of going to the dentist in my childhood and I hope to be able to provide that same feeling to my patients.
I received my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Victoria and completed my Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the University of British Columbia. Following graduation, I headed north to practice dentistry in Dawson Creek; gaining valuable experience in the time I was there. Returning to the lower mainland was always in the back of my mind, and I couldn’t be more excited to continue my journey here at Westgate Dental Centre.
I’m committed to providing a comfortable environment for my patients and I look forward to building lasting relationships and to help optimize their oral health.
Outside of the office, I’m an avid fan of the Toronto Blue Jays and when I’m not watching one of their games, you can find me working out, golfing or woodworking!
I look forward to meeting our amazing patients and continuing to be a part of the Maple Ridge community for years to come!
