Our Great Staff & Services

	Trudy Raffan, Receptionist/Manager Trudy comes to us with over 25 years experience. She began her dental career assisting in general dentistry and oral surgery. She expanded her career by designing and teaching the dental reception program at Vancouver School Board. As a result, her knowledge of treatment procedures is excellent. It is a very complicated job dealing with hundreds of different insurance plans, and Trudy will work with you to ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled.
	Lee Morris, Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Lee has been a CDA for 29 years and has worked with Dr Drance on and off for over 22 years. Dr Drance counts on her loyalty and support and values her esthetic eye and artistic ability. She has also been a goldsmith and jewelry designer for the past 18years. We are thrilled to have her back full time.
	Julie Harrison, Dental Hygienist Julie, our gentle hygienist is passionate about her work in helping patients achieve optimum health. She has been a hygienist for over 6 years and a chair side assistant for 10 years before that. Julie began working with us five years ago, took time off to have a baby, and we are now happy that she is willing to make the trip from Squamish to take care of our patients.
	Doreen de Freitas, Receptionist Doreen graduated from the BCIT dental reception course at the top of her class in August 2002 after completing the Office Administration Program at Vancouver Community College. She has been with our team since then and her administrative knowledge is an asset to our office.
	Danja Semenowycz, Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Dr. Drance relies upon Danja’s expertise. She has worked with us for the past 8 years and has been a CDA for 12 years. Danja enjoys helping improve people’s smiles and their self- confidence: as she often says, that is the best part of her job. When she isn't working, she is spending time with her husband and 2 children.
	Inder Sangha, Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Inder's warm and caring approach as our certified dental assistant allows our patients to have a comfortable and relaxing experience. She was born and raised on Vancouver Island and graduated 13 years ago from Malaspina University College. She enjoys helping patients improve their smiles and seeing them achieve great results. When she isn't working hard, she is spending time with her husband and 2 children and enjoying their new home.
	Tara Shadd, Receptionist Tara comes to us with experience in oral and cosmetic surgery. She graduated from the Dental Assisting Program at the Ontario Business College in 1998. She also took the Dental Receptionist course at St. Clair College. She is a newcomer to Vancouver and when not working, she enjoys spending time with her two teenage daughters.
	Melina Neufeld, Dental Hygienist Melina graduated from UBC in 2007 with a Bachelor in Dental Sciences. She enjoys providing patients with a relaxing and pain-free hygiene experience. She recently moved downtown from White Rock to be closer to the office and loves everything Vancouver has to offer (especially the concerts!).
	Leah Horton, Certified Dental Assistant Leah is a recent graduate from Vancouver Community College's CDA Program, which is the top rated CDA program in BC. She puts a lot of effort and enthusiasm into her job and her warm and caring approach will relax you when you come into our office. When she isn't working, she taking her dog for a walk or spending time with family and friends.
	Kathryn Jolley, Dental Hygienist Kathryn has been working with our office since 2003. She started as a Dental Assistant, but went to back to school and completed the Dental Hygiene program. She strives to give her patients a pain-free appointment. Kathryn is a world traveler and a top rated Canadian swimmer.
	Dr. Michael Drance, Dentist Dr. Michael Drance has been working as a dentist in downtown Vancouver for 23 years. He has taken countless hours of extra training in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry (just like on Extreme Makeover), laser dentistry, TMJ, headache and migraine treatment. Dr. Drance has a loyal following of patients, not only from British Columbia, but also from Canada and other countries, including the United States, Hong Kong and others in Europe and South America. More
	Dr. Clarence Wong, Dentist Graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2003 and has been practicing general dentistry in British Columbia since then. Over the years, he has devoted countless hours to continuing education courses and study clubs to better existing skills as well as acquire new ones in the growing field of dentistry. Dr. Wong has special interests in the areas of endodontics and dental implants. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Wong is an avid cyclist and snowboarder. Also, he shares the love of motorsports with Dr. Drance. More

Our Services

General dentistry

We provide a lot of this type of treatment, which includes keeping the gums and tooth-supporting bones healthy: we want you to keep your teeth for a lifetime. With our help, and some effort on your part at home, this is an achievable goal. Teeth require maintenance and when your older fillings break down, teeth fracture or wear down: we can restore their function and appearance. Utilizing all of the materials, equipment and techniques available today, Dr. Drance can make dental treatment a pleasant experience. Learn more about your initial visit...

Cosmetic Dentistry

Dr. Drance has been interviewed on television and in magazines about his work in cosmetic dentistry. The happiest patients we have are those who have decided to improve their smiles. We know that many people hate their teeth, but are completely unaware how we might give them a new, beautiful smile. You might have seen the TV show “Extreme Makeover". Dr. Drance can give you that same smile right here in Vancouver. We use a combination of porcelain veneers, crowns, teeth whitening, orthodontics, and laser gum recontouring: the results are incredible! This is truly a life-changing experience and we have seen the difference it makes in people’s lives many times. It is the most rewarding gift you can give yourself. Come in and we will give you an idea of what is possible. Learn more about cosmetic dentistry...

No Mercury fillings!

Dr. Drance has not used the mercury containing fillings for over twenty years, long before some of the health questions about mercury were being raised. While still an area of debate, the use of mercury has been banned by many countries and Health Canada has recommended limiting the number of fillings that contain mercury in children and pregnant women. The tooth-coloured fillings are much more difficult and more expensive to place, but Dr. Drance uses techniques developed over that time to make them very successful. The added benefit is that the tooth-coloured fillings help to strengthen the tooth.

Teeth Whitening

Dr. Drance has been whitening teeth for 20 years and has discovered the most favourable laser-bleaching technique called "Deep Bleaching™" we also offer the conventional custom take home trays which work well, but this new technique is superior. If you are perfectly happy with the size and shape of your teeth, but would like to see them whiter, this is the answer. Learn more about Teeth Whitening...

Treatment of Chronic Headaches, Migraines and Facial Pain (TMJ symptoms)

Most facial pain and headaches are muscular in nature. It has been discovered that most headache sufferers clench and grind their teeth at nighttime while they are sleeping. Dr. Drance was the first in Vancouver to use the elegant and small NTI device that has been successful in eliminating many people’s suffering. We have been able to help about 80% of those clients who suffer from migraine headaches, which are difficult to treat, by reducing their symptoms. You might have seen Dr. Drance on Canada AM being interviewed about his use of this NTI device.

In some cases, reconstructing worn teeth, or replacing missing teeth can also help headache patients.

Dental treatment of Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring is a huge problem for many people. Various treatments, including laser surgery, have had some success. Snoring is a result of the vibration of the soft tissues in the back of the throat. At night, when the jaw and tongue drop back, the airway is reduced and vibration occurs. Utilizing a dental appliance that keeps the jaw forward, many people have found a great reduction in their snoring. Some people who suffer from snoring also have sleep apnea, which usually goes undiagnosed. If you are a poor sleeper, do not wake up feeling refreshed, and often feel tired during the day, this could be your problem. Sleep apnea has been called “the silent killer,” as fatigue can result in many accidents. Dr. Drance has specific training in the diagnosis and appliance fabrication for these conditions. Learn more about Snoring or Sleep Apnea

Sedation Dentistry

Many people are very apprehensive about having dental treatment. Dr. Drance recognizes this fact, and offers a pill that alleviates anxiety, which is taken before your appointment. Many patients find that they are sufficiently relaxed to fall asleep during their treatment. Please let us know if you feel that sedation dentistry might help you.

Our High-Tech Equipment

We are proud to use the new technology available in dentistry today. This equipment allows us to work more efficiently and comfortably than ever before! Some of the latest additions include:

Digital x-rays – Up to 90% less radiation than before (which was already very low). No more miniature x-rays -- you can easily view them on our monitor -- and no more waiting for them to develop.

Intra-oral cameras -- Now you can see the condition of your teeth the way we do. It is otherwise difficult for you to know what we are talking about. This camera allows you to be a more active participant in your own dental health.

Laser Cavity detection – This equipment enables us to find small cavities substantially earlier than with older methods of detection and means that we can often do very small fillings, often without anesthetic, to avoid the necessity of a larger filling.

Laser Gum therapy – Gum disease is likely the most common chronic infection in our body. Incorporating Laser Gum therapy into our therapy can reduce the need for costly and uncomfortable gum surgery.

The Wand – This computer-controlled anesthetic delivery system allows us to isolate and numb the tooth we are working on, and prevent you from suffering the full tongue numbness that makes it difficult to talk and eat after your appointment.

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