Doctor Spotlight: Dr. Lawrence Lai of Aarm Dental Group at Yaletown
Dr. Lawrence Lai obtained his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Microbiology and Immunology at McGill University in 1995. His interest in interacting with people at a more personal level has driven him to pursue a dental career in health care. In 1997, he entered the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University.
In 2001, as a dentist, he moved to Calgary to start his general practice in dentistry. Currently, Dr Lai is licensed to practice dentistry under the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia and Alberta Dental Association and College. He is also a member of the BC Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association. Dr. Lai continues to update his dental training by regularly attending national and international dental conferences and continuing education dental courses annually. As an accomplished Calgary dentist, he has completed more than 1000 continuing education hours since his graduation from dental school. When not working, he may be seen spending time with his wife and a young son biking in Stanley Park or in Whistler hiking or skiing.
Dr. Lawrence Lai, what made you pivot and change from microbiology and immunology to dentistry? What inspired you to make this early change in career path?
“I’ve always found fulfillment in connecting with people and offering comfort during difficult moments, which naturally led me toward a career in dentistry. The ability to ease someone’s pain—whether physical or emotional—by providing compassionate care has always resonated with me. Dentistry offers the perfect balance of hands-on skill and human connection, allowing me to make a real difference in people’s lives while building trusting, supportive relationships with my patients.”
Within your practice, do you have a favourite aspect of dentistry?
“Performing difficult dental procedures efficiently and quickly is one of strengths as a dentist. When many patients told me that the treatments were easier and more comfortable than they had expected, I felt I have done a satisfactory job on my part.”
Going to the dentist for some patients can be an uncomfortable and nerve-wracking experience. What’s a common misconception of visiting the dentist?
“Many people think they cannot afford dental treatment so they avoid seeking regular check up and dental hygiene appointments. Unfortunately it is more costly when they wait until a symptom arises. It is because it is likely that a more expensive dental procedure is needed such as root canal therapy or loss of a tooth, which could have been avoided by early inexpensive regular check up.”
Dr. Lai you practice in three languages: Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. Can you speak to the impact multi-language practices have in terms of accessibility of oral health care?
“Being able to speak Cantonese and Mandarin, I am able to help those who have difficulty in communicating in English. This is an asset especially for a diversified population in downtown Vancouver.”
Dentistry, is an industry in which technology and processes are constantly improving. What have been your favourite new systems or theories to learn within your post-grad education?
“Since graduating from dental school in 2001, I have never stopped learning nor lost the passion about new skills and knowledge in the dental field. Among different procedures, implant dentistry and wisdom teeth surgery are one of my expertise”
At Aarm Dental Group our model is “Patient-centered Dental Care”, what does this mean to you and how do you apply this at your Yaletown practice?
“Putting patients’ interests first and treating the person rather than treating the ‘dental problem’.”
Dr. Lai, what’s something that all patients can do to better their oral health?
“Regular check up and hygiene cleaning is needed for everyone to avoid costly dental treatments later. Don’t forget that dental cavity is one of the most common infections and as we grow older with the advances of medicine nowadays, gum disease is becoming more of an issue in older population.”
Outside of dentistry, what inspires you?
“Paying attention to how people behave and respond differently to a similar situation because of their past experiences and backgrounds and their family history always teach me more to understand myself and the society.”
Dr. Lai, you’re an owner of Aarm Dental Group in Yaletown. What is your favourite aspect of practicing within this community?
“It is a very safe and pleasant to stroll around the neighbourhood”
How would you describe the people and energy of Yaletown? What’s something that makes this community unique compared to other Vancouver neighbourhoods?
“Most people I met here are very cultured and kind. Yaletown is a very family oriented community and practising dentistry is very relaxed compared to other bustling places”
At Aarm Dental Group, we’re in your neighbourhood to make you smile. Being part of the community has always been a key value of our practice. What's your Yaletown neighbourhood staple?
“In Yaletown, the restaurants along the waterfront and David Lam Park are the neighborhood staple in my opinion. Japanese restaurants and cafe shops in Yaletown are my favourite places to go”
Being Vancouverites, we’re very lucky to live in a city with such incredible food. Dr. Lai, what are your favourite places to visit?
“Minami Sushi is my favourite restaurant in Yaletown. For favourite coffee shop, Artigiano Roundhouse. To unwind, though, it would be Blue Water Café followed by strolling along the seawall.”
