Location Spotlight: Aarm Dental Group on Main
At Aarm Dental Group we always say we are in your neighbourhood to see you smile, at our Main location its no exception. Located at 2270 Main St, Vancouver, right on the Main street hub, we’re in a wonderful neighbourhood of Mount Pleasant. Aarm Dental Group on Main is owned by Dr. Gary Bains, a general dentist, and Dr. Noor Alzamani, a general dentist.
Dr. Bains received his Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc.) from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He then went on to complete his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree (D.M.D.) at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. At UBC, he was selected to participate in an oral surgery elective to expand his knowledge and skills. To further that training, Dr. Bains completed hands-on oral surgery externships at Harvard University – Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and at the University of the Pacific – Highland Hospital in Oakland. To provide his patients with comprehensive dental care, utilizing the latest of evidence-based technology, Dr Bains continues his lifelong learning through various post-graduate education programs to further his knowledge and skills in: cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign/orthodontics, extractions, restorative dentistry, root canals, crowns, and bridges.
Dr. Noor Alzamani’s professional career as a General Dentist started with completing her dental education and achieving a bachelor’s degree in dental surgery with Honours from Baghdad University/Faculty of Dentistry in 2007. After working as a clinical instructor for one year in Iraq, she moved to Vancouver. She earned her degree as a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Toronto with significant distinctions in 2014 and she is currently a clinical instructor at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Alzamani is committed to keeping up to date with the latest in Dentistry and is passionate about ongoing learning through continuing education. She has participated in several accredited training programs, courses, conferences, and study clubs on a variety of topics, including Oral Surgery, Dental Implants, Root Canal Treatment, Invisalign, Prosthodontics (crowns and bridges), and Cosmetic Dental Care. Dr. Alzamani is a member of the College of Dental Surgeons of BC, the BC Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Spear Education Online education and in-person Study Club, and the Periodontal Surgery Continuum from Theory to Practice Hands-on Study Club.
As being an active member of the community is importance to us, we sat down with Dr. Noor Alzamani to better learn about her favourite Mount Pleasant places, and favourites aspects of practicing at Aarm Dental Group on Main.
Dr. Noor Alzamani thank you for sitting down with me today. At Aarm Dental Group our tagline is that we’re in your neighbourhood to make you smile. How would you describe the community of Mount Pleasant, Vancouver?
“Mount Pleasant is a vibrant, diverse, and evolving community in Vancouver. It blends a creative, youthful energy with a strong sense of neighborhood connection. The area is home to families, professionals, artists, and newcomers, and offers a mix of local shops, cafes, parks, and cultural spaces. It’s a community that values wellness, inclusivity, and access to care. We see Mix of middle age, younger and seniors population from different backgrounds in the area and all are welcome. lastly, We are glad to be at the heart of Main Street.”
Dr. Alzamani, what’s your favourite part about practicing on Main street, and being part of the Mount Pleasant community?
“I love working in Mount Pleasant because it’s a friendly and welcoming community. The people are diverse and care about their health. It’s rewarding to build trust with patients and be part of a neighbourhood that values connection and good care. I like working on Fridays & Saturdays the most becuase we oftnely hear nice music during summer and see people waking happily from our spacious window and many families with kids who likes to stop by for stickers from thier dentist or to look at our front display board balloons. We oftenly receieve sweets &/or treats on weekends from our visitng patients and sometimes some of our patients walking by who live close to us; appreciating our services and how comfortable they feel in our office and that means a lot to us as a team; being nicely connected to our patients in this beautiful neighbourhood.”
One of my favourite aspects of Vancouver is that each communique is its own. To you, what makes Main street and Mount Pleasant unique?
“What’s unique about this location is how open and engaged patients are. They value their health, ask questions, and are eager to learn. That helps create a caring and supportive environment for both patients and the dental team.”
After work, where are you and your team going? Where are your favourite places to unwind after your shift?
“Sometimes you can find me having Matcha and Avocado crunch from Whisk Matcha or catching up on readings at the Mt. Pleasant Community Centre, or maybe walking by Kingsgate Mall or having Pizza with the team at AJ's Brooklyn Pizza or Sprezzatura restaurant.”
Dr. Alzamani, what’s a Mount Pleasant staple? When you think about the community of Main Street, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
“A neighbourhood staple in Mount Pleasant is the vibrant Main Street—full of local cafes, small shops, and community spaces. It’s where people gather, connect, and support local businesses. Places like JJ Bean or the Mount Pleasant Community Centre bring the neighbourhood together and reflect its creative, welcoming spirit. Again, I feel we are at the heart of Main Street.
Vancouverites are extremely lucky in terms of a vibrant food culture; Main street being quintessential. What are your favourite restaurants within Mount Pleasant?
“In Mount Pleasant, one of my go-to places for seafood is The Fish Counter on Main Street. They’re known for their sustainable options—I really enjoy their cod fish and chips or the BC wild salmon burger. For vegetarian food, I love Budgie’s Burritos. Their tofu and veggie burritos are super filling and full of flavour. Both places feel very local and really reflect the neighbourhood’s laid-back and health-conscious vibe. Further, I can not forget about Como Taperia resturant and thier Authentic Spanish tapas.”
If our restaurants are good, that’s nothing compared to our coffee shop culture. Hard to pick a favourite coffee shop in Vancouver or even just in Mount Pleasant, but Dr. Alazamani, if you could pick a favourite cafe, what would it be?
“My favourite coffee shops in Mount Pleasant are Gene Cafe, Thierry Mount pleasant and JJ Bean on Main Street. It’s cozy, reliable, and their cappuccino is always on point. I also like 49th Parallel Café—their flat white is smooth and strong, and if I’m treating myself, I grab one of their Lucky’s donuts. Both spots have great coffee and a relaxed vibe that fits the neighbourhood perfectly.
Favourite Bar?
“Como Taperia, StreamWorks Mount Pleasant, Main Street Brewing”
Favourite place to unwind?
“A must-see in Mount Pleasant is definitely the Mount Pleasant Murals from the Vancouver Mural Festival. Walking along Main Street, you’ll see colourful, large-scale art on almost every block—it really gives the neighbourhood its creative, vibrant feel. Another great stop is Dude Chilling Park—the name always makes people smile, and it’s a perfect little green space to relax and take in the community vibe. Do not forget to walk to Science world or Stanely Park, they are only about 15 minutes walk.”
At Aarm Dental Group our motto is we’re in your neighbourhood to make you smile. We pride ourselves of truly being part of the community not just within the community. Because of this, community centres and organizations are important to us. What are your favourites within Mount Pleasant?
“My favourite activity at the Mount Pleasant Community Centre is simply spending quiet time reading in the library area. It’s a calm, welcoming space where I can relax with a book and unwind. I love how the community centre blends active programs with peaceful spaces like this—it really reflects the balance of the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood
