Doctor Spotlight: Dr. Charmaine Fong of Aarm Dental Group on Hornby
Dr. Fong earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the University of British Columbia in 1993. With over three decades of experience, she has built a strong foundation in general dentistry, with particular interest in periodontics and cosmetic dentistry. She has further refined her skills through participation in two Crown and Bridge Study Clubs and as a past member of the Vancouver Perio-Prosth Study Club.
Deeply committed to giving back, Dr. Fong has volunteered her dental expertise in underserved communities, including outreach missions to Costa Rica and, more recently, Guatemala. Closer to home, she has shared her knowledge by speaking to preschool and elementary school students about oral health, fostering early awareness and prevention.
Beginning in the fall of 2025, Dr. Fong will be joining the UBC Dental School as a part-time clinical instructor, where she looks forward to mentoring the next generation of dental professionals.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Fong leads an active lifestyle and enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. She is passionate about outdoor activities—particularly pickleball and cycling. A familiar and trusted presence at the Hornby office for over 30 years, Dr. Fong is known for her compassionate care, dedication to her patients, and continuous pursuit of clinical excellence.
Dr. Fong, you’ve practiced dentistry for over three decades. Going back to the beginning, why dentistry? What inspired you to become a dentist?
“I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and paying attention to detail, so dentistry felt like the perfect combination of science, creativity, and human connection. It’s a profession that allows me to make a small yet tangible difference in people’s lives, and that’s what inspired me to pursue it.”
Within the field, is there a favourite part of practicing dentistry?
“My favourite part is being able to see the immediate impact of my work on a patient’s health and confidence. Whether it’s relieving someone’s pain, restoring their ability to eat comfortably, or helping them feel proud of their smile, it’s incredibly rewarding. I also really value the relationships I’ve built with patients over time—earning their trust and helping them feel at ease makes the work even more meaningful.”
I love that answer as it completely aligns with Aarm Dental Group’s holistic approach to oral health. Our goal is to provide exceptional care, relieve pain and restore confidence. And while our offices are representations of this, for many people going to the dentist can be synonymous with anxiety. Is there a common misconception about dentistry?
“One of the most common misconceptions I hear is that dentistry is always painful. I completely understand where that fear comes from—many people have had negative experiences in the past or grew up hearing stories that made them anxious. But one of my goals as a dentist is to change that perception. With today’s technology, gentle techniques, and a focus on patient comfort, most procedures can be done with little to no discomfort. Another big misconception is that you only need to see the dentist when something hurts. I always remind my patients that prevention is key—by coming in regularly, we can catch small issues before they become serious and painful. And honestly, helping people overcome those fears and take control of their oral health is one of the parts of dentistry I enjoy most.”
What’s something all patients should do in terms of addressing their dental care?
“One thing I believe all patients should do is prioritize regular dental check-ups and cleanings- even if they’re not experiencing any pain or obvious problems. These visits are really important for catching issues early, before they become bigger or more painful. Besides that, I encourage patients to be proactive about their oral health by asking questions and communicating openly with their dentist. If something feels uncomfortable or they have concerns, speaking up helps us provide the best care tailored to their needs. Good dental care is really a partnership, and staying engaged is key to keeping a healthy smile.”
A concept at Aarm Dental Group is ‘Patient-Centered Dental Care’, what does this mean to you?
“To me, ‘Patient-Centered Dental Care’ means putting the patient first—making sure their needs, concerns and comfort come before anything else. It’s about getting to know each individual, listening to what matters most to them, involving them in decisions about their treatment, and working together to find the best plan that fits their lifestyle and goals. I think when patients feel heard and understood, it helps build trust and makes the whole experience less stressful. At the end of the day, patient-centered care is about treating people with kindness and respect, so they feel confident and comfortable every step of the way.”
We couldn’t agree more, and strongly support the ability of all people to receive kind and respectful dental care. Regarding the accessibility of dentistry, could you explain the benefits of the new CDCP plan, and how CDCP impacts your patients access to care?
“The new CDCP plan is something I’m really excited about because I realize how much financial barriers can stop people from getting the dental care they need. This program makes a big difference by helping more people- especially kids, seniors, and those with limited income—access important dental treatments without worrying about the cost. I’ve had patients who delayed care simply because they couldn’t afford it, and that often leads to bigger problems down the road. With the CDCP plan, patients are more likely to come in for regular check-ups and preventive care, which is so important. Catching issues early means less pain, less invasive treatment, and better long-term health. It also helps me do my job better because I can focus on helping patients maintain their health instead of just treating emergencies.”
Dentistry, like all medical fields is constantly evolving. In terms of your post-graduate education and changes in the field, what skills or theories excite you the most?
“What really excites me about my post-graduate education is the chance to dive deeper into areas of dentistry that truly make a difference for patients. I’m interested in minimally invasive dentistry because I believe preserving natural tooth structure whenever possible leads to better long-term outcomes and less discomfort for patients. Seeing how new technologies like digital scanning and 3D printing are changing the way we design and deliver restorations feels like being part of a real revolution in patient care. It’s exciting to learn tools that can make treatments faster, more precise, and more comfortable. I’m also drawn to the growing understanding of how oral health affects overall health. It’s powerful to know that by treating the mouth well, we can actually help improve systemic conditions like heart disease or diabetes. That insight motivates me to educate my patients in a way that goes beyond just their teeth. For me, post-graduate education isn’t just about gaining technical skills—it’s about becoming a more thoughtful and compassionate clinician. I want to keep learning how to connect the latest science with what my patients need most, so I can help them feel confident and cared for every step of the way.”
I know that both teaching and humanitarian work is something very important to you. Could you expand on these and speak to your clinical work outside of Aarm Dental Group?
“In addition to my clinical practice, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in oral health outreach initiatives in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and in the near future, Ecuador. These experiences are important to me because they allow me to provide essential care in underserved areas, where access to even basic dental treatment is limited. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that something as simple as a filling or an extraction can significantly improve someone’s quality of life. I plan to expand this further by volunteering every year on dental missions. Closer to home, I’ll be joining the UBC Dental Clinic as a clinical instructor starting in Fall 2025. I see this as an opportunity to help shape the next generation of dentists—not just in terms of their technical skills, but also their approach to patient care, ethics, and community service. Mentoring students is meaningful to me because I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors myself, and I want to give that same support back. Whether I’m working with patients in remote communities or mentoring students at UBC, my goal is the same: to help create a more compassionate and accessible dental care system for everyone.”
Outside of dentistry, what inspires you?
“Outside of dentistry, I find a lot of inspiration in staying active and spending quality time with my family and friends. I love playing pickleball and tennis—they’re great ways to have fun, stay fit, and challenge myself. Cycling is a newer interest of mine, and I’m finding being outdoors and on my bike helps me clear my mind and recharge. I also practice yoga which keeps me centred and balanced, both physically and mentally. But honestly, the biggest source of inspiration for me are my family and friends. Whether we’re relaxing together, sharing meals, or just enjoying each other’s company, those moments remind me what really matters and keep me grounded. All of these things help me bring my best self to my work and life.”
