Doctor Spotlight: Dr. Kevin Wong of Aarm Dental Group on Seymour

Dr. Kevin Wong received his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Cornell University in 2011. Upon graduation, he pursued his dental studies at the University of Southern California, obtaining his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2015. Passionate about education and learning, Dr. Wong has completed countless hours of continuing education and advanced training, including areas such as orthodontics, Invisalign, and clear aligner therapy. He continually strives to find improved ways to enhance the oral health and dental experiences of his patients.

Dr. Wong enjoys the meticulous aspect of dental work, paying close attention to detail to provide the most aesthetic and the best quality of work to his patients. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Wong enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Dr. Wong, why dentistry? What inspired you to pursue this career?

My inspiration to pursue dentistry came from its unique position at the intersection of art and science. I am drawn to the precise, technical problem-solving the field requires, paired with the artistic skill needed to create beautiful and confident smiles. Ultimately, it is the opportunity to use that mix of skills to have a tangible, positive impact — whether that is in relieving someone’s pain, improving their oral health or restoring their confidence.

Within that intersection of art and science, is there a favourite aspect to practicing dentistry?

While I enjoy the technical and artistic challenges of clinical dentistry, my favourite part of practice is undoubtedly the relationships I build with my patients. There is a profound satisfaction in demystifying dental care for them — translating complex procedures and treatment plans into understandable terms and empowering them to be active participants in their oral health. That moment of clarity when a patient truly understands the ‘why’ behind their treatment is incredibly rewarding, as it builds a foundation of trust and partnership that is essential for long-term care.

Empowering our patients to be an active participant in their oral health journey is paramount to Aarm Dental Group. To further demystify dentistry, is their a common misconception you could expand upon?

One of the most common and impactful misconceptions is that you only need to see a dentist when you are in pain. In reality, dental pain is often a late-stage symptom, indicating that a problem, like a cavity or gum disease, has progressed significantly. By that point, the treatment required is usually more complex and costly. This is precisely why regular check-ups and cleanings are so crucial; they allow us to identify and address issues like small cavities or early gingivitis when they are silent, easy to manage, and far more affordable for the patient.

Continuing on the theme of being an active participant, what is something that all patients should do to address their oral health?

The single most important thing a patient can do is to embrace the powerful combination of consistent, effective home care and regular professional maintenance. A diligent daily routine is the primary defense against decay and gum disease, but it is only one part of the equation. Professional cleanings remove the hardened plaque (tartar) that brushing cannot, and regular check-ups allow us to catch tiny issues when they are simple and affordable to fix, preventing them from becoming complex, painful problems down the road. It is this partnership between the patient at home and our team at the clinic that truly safeguards long-term oral health.

Dr. Wong, within your practice you offer care in multiple languages including English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. What does it mean to you to be able to offer multi-lingual health care, and for you what is the role of language in terms of accessibility?

To me, providing care in multiple languages is fundamental to equitable and effective healthcare. Language is the primary conduit for trust, understanding, and safety. When a patient can communicate in their most comfortable language, it eliminates dangerous misunderstandings, ensures true informed consent, and builds the rapport necessary for successful treatment. My fluency in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin allows me to welcome patients who face language barriers, ensuring they receive not only treatment but also the understanding and confidence that comes with being communicated with clearly.

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?

Patient-centered dental care” is a philosophy that places the patient’s unique needs, values, and autonomy at the very core of every clinical decision. It is the difference between treating a tooth and treating a person. At the AARM Dental Group on Seymour, this means we begin by actively listening to build trust and fully understand a patient’s concerns. We then collaborate to create customized treatment plans that align with their health goals, lifestyle, and budget. This philosophy extends beyond the chair through operational respect: flexible scheduling, punctual appointments, and accessibility for emergencies. Most importantly, it is about empowering patients with knowledge and options, ensuring they are active, confident participants in their own oral health journey.

A key philosophy of Aarm Dental Group is ‘Patient-Centered Dental Care’. What does this phrase mean to you and how do you represent this concept at your practice?

I am particularly fascinated by the rapid evolution in digital orthodontics and clear aligner therapy, which is an area I’ve pursued through numerous post-graduate courses as a certified Invisalign provider. What excites me most is not just the aesthetic outcome, but the underlying technology that is revolutionizing our processes. The integration of intraoral scanners, treatment planning software, and predictive modeling represents a monumental shift from analog impression-taking and generic treatment plans to a fully digital, highly personalized patient experience. This is profoundly important in patient care for many reasons. It enhances predictability and efficiency, often reducing treatment time and improving final results, but more importantly, it improves overall patient understanding. As an example, 3D ClinCheck software can be used to visually walk a patient through their entire treatment plan before we even begin, which clarifies the process for the patient, sets realistic expectations for them, and truly empowers them in their own care. This technological leap transforms the patient from a passive recipient into an active, informed participant, which is the future of patient-centered dentistry.

We are in your neighbourhood to make you smile

We are a group of Vancouver dental professionals who believe that combining advanced techniques, accurate diagnosis, skilled treatment, and effective communication is key to giving our patients healthy, beautiful smiles for life.

Aarm Dental Group on Seymour
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Doctor Spotlight: Dr. Charmaine Fong of Aarm Dental Group on Hornby