Dr. Minko Bachis the founder and owner of Ardent Dental in Lynn Valley. He believes that thefoundation of excellent dentistry is built on trust, relationships, andteamwork. For Dr. Bach, caring for patients is not simply about providingtreatment—it is about building long-term relationships based on honesty,respect, and genuine connection. This philosophy shapes the culture of ArdentDental, where collaboration between patients, team members, dentallaboratories, and specialist partners is essential to achieving the bestpossible outcomes.

Dr. Bach earnedhis Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the Arthur A. Dugoni School ofDentistry at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco in 2005, graduatingas Class Valedictorian with the highest academic and clinical scholarship.Prior to that, he completed his Doctor of Stomatology degree at the Universityof Belgrade in 1998.

Throughout hiscareer, Dr. Bach has provided dental care to diverse communities across BritishColumbia, including Northern BC (Mackenzie and Fort St John), the SunshineCoast, and the North Shore of Vancouver. In addition to private practice, hehas contributed to dental education as a Clinical Instructor for final-yeardental students at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

Dr. Bachremains deeply committed to lifelong learning and professional development. Heis a Certified Invisalign Provider and continues advanced training throughorganizations such as the Spear Institute and the International Team forImplantology (ITI). He is also a member of the American Academy of ClearAligners (AACA).

His academicachievements have been recognized through membership in distinguished honorsocieties including Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), Tau Kappa Omega (TKO), and thePhi Kappa Phi international academic honor society.

Dr. Bachmaintains professional affiliations with the American Dental Association (ADA),the Canadian Dental Association, and the British Columbia Dental Association.

His clinicalinterests include aesthetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and implantdentistry, with a strong focus on providing thoughtful, personalized treatmentthat balances function, health, and natural-looking results.

As a practiceowner and mentor, Dr. Bach is deeply committed to creating a positive,team-oriented environment where both patients and staff feel valued andsupported. He believes that the best dentistry happens when patients,clinicians, team members, partner laboratories, and specialist colleagues worktogether toward a shared goal of excellence in care.

Outside theclinic, Dr. Bach lives on the North Shore with his wife and enjoys spendingtime with their two adult children.

Dr. Glen Joycehas been practicing dentistry in the Lower Mainland for more than 30 years.Known as both a lifelong learner and mentor, he brings decades of experienceand a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to his work at Ardent Dental.

Dr. Joyceearned his dental degree from the University of Manitoba in 1988. He began hisprofessional career as a military dental officer, serving on the east coast ofCanada before continuing his practice in British Columbia.

At ArdentDental, Dr. Joyce focuses primarily on orthodontic treatment, helping patientsimprove both function and aesthetics through carefully planned tooth alignmentand bite correction. His orthodontic work is complemented by a growing interestin the development and growth of dental arches and their relationship to tonguespace, airway health, and sleep patterns.

Dr. Joyce hascompleted extensive advanced training, including a Mini Orthodontic Residencyat the University of British Columbia (2020), the Orofacial Pain Continuum atLouisiana State University (2021), and the Airway Health Solutions MiniResidency (2022). He is Invisalign certified since 2012 and became a GoldInvisalign Provider in 2021, and he is also Healthy Start certified.

Dr. Joycemaintains active involvement in several professional organizations andeducational institutions. He serves on the BC College Ethics Committee and isan advisor with the Pankey Institute, while continuing his professionaldevelopment through organizations such as the Spear Institute, the Academy ofGeneral Dentistry, and the American Equilibration Society.

Outside theclinic, Dr. Joyce enjoys cycling, skiing, and hiking with his wife, adultchildren, and their labradoodle.

Dr. VassilZlatkov is known for his warm personality and genuine ability to connect withpatients. He is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care andtakes pride in helping patients of all ages feel comfortable and confident intheir dental care.

Dr. Zlatkovearned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Melbourne inAustralia. Prior to pursuing dentistry, he completed a Bachelor of Kinesiologyat the University of British Columbia, where he developed a strong interest inhealth sciences and human performance.

Early in hisdental career, Dr. Zlatkov gained valuable clinical experience working inremote communities in the Australian outback, where he treated a wide range ofdental conditions and developed a strong appreciation for comprehensive,patient-centered care. He later returned to British Columbia and is proud tonow serve the community where he grew up.

Raised inVancouver, Dr. Zlatkov enjoys golf, hiking, and exploring the mountains ofBritish Columbia with his wife—who is also a dentist—and their GoldenRetriever, Daisy.

Dr. JeffreyZhou is committed to providing ethical, transparent care and deliveringadvanced dentistry with precision and integrity. He believes that trust andopen communication are essential to creating a positive dental experience andtakes pride in helping patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident intheir treatment decisions.

Born in Torontoand raised in St. Catharines in the Niagara region, Dr. Zhou was inspired topursue dentistry by his father, a dedicated dentist whose passion for theprofession left a lasting impression. He completed his dental training atCharles Sturt University in Australia, where he developed a strong foundationin comprehensive patient care.

Dr. Zhourelocated to the Vancouver area in 2022 and soon after joined the team atArdent Dental in Lynn Valley. Since graduating, he has remained committed tocontinuing education, with a focus on expanding his skills in oral surgery,periodontal procedures, and endodontics.

Dr. Zhoubelieves that modern dentistry should combine clinical excellence with clearcommunication and individualized treatment planning so that patients feelconfident and well informed about their care.

Outside the clinic,Dr. Zhou enjoys staying active as a competitive volleyball player and is apassionate supporter of the Toronto Raptors.

Dr. Gwyneth Vois a compassionate dentist dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-basedcare in a supportive and welcoming environment. Her unique professionaljourney—from practicing as a dental hygienist for over ten years to becoming adentist—gives her a deep understanding of preventive care and patienteducation, which continues to shape her thoughtful approach to dentistry.

Dr. Vo earnedher Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc) with First Class Honours from theUniversity of Queensland in Australia. Prior to becoming a dentist, shecompleted a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene at the University of BritishColumbia, where she practiced as a dental hygienist for a decade. She alsoholds a Master’s degree in Science Education from the University of BritishColumbia, reflecting her passion for teaching and lifelong learning.

Followingdental school, Dr. Vo spent three years providing comprehensive dental carewithin the public health sector in Brisbane, Australia, where she gainedvaluable experience treating a diverse range of patients and clinicalconditions.

In addition toclinical practice, Dr. Vo has contributed to dental education as a ClinicalInstructor at the University of British Columbia, where she taught dentalhygiene students in areas including local anesthesia and problem-basedlearning.

Dr. Vocontinues to pursue professional development and advanced training to providethe highest standard of care for her patients. She has a strong interest indelivering comprehensive, holistic dental care that considers both oral healthand overall wellbeing.

Outside theclinic, Dr. Vo enjoys practicing yoga, volunteering in the community, reading,and spending time with family and friends. She also has a great love foranimals.

Dr. Vomaintains professional affiliations with the Canadian Dental Association, theBritish Columbia Dental Association, and the Kois Center.

Erica’s passionfor dentistry comes from her love of helping people smile with confidence. Shebegan her career as a Certified Dental Assistant and brings many years of richexperience in the dental field. Over time, Erica developed not only a strongclinical understanding of dentistry but also a deep interest in the systems andorganization that allow a dental practice to run smoothly.

Always eager tolearn and improve processes, Erica expanded her skills beyond the clinical sideof dentistry to include front desk operations, scheduling coordination, andtreatment planning. Her ability to understand both the clinical andadministrative sides of the practice—combined with her attention to detail,leadership, and dedication to patient care—naturally led her to the role ofDirector of Operations at Ardent Dental.

Her role oftenplaces her at the intersection of clinical care and practice operations,working closely with the clinical leadership to ensure that the systems,workflow, and patient experience at Ardent Dental reflect the practice’scommitment to thoughtful, high-quality care.

In her role,besides making sure that all the areas of our clinic run smoothly andefficiently, Erica helps guide patients through their treatment plans, ensuringthey feel informed, supported, and confident in their care. She is deeplycommitted to creating a welcoming and efficient environment for both patientsand team members. Erica also plays an important role in mentoring staff andhelping maintain the strong team culture that defines Ardent Dental.

With herexperience, leadership, and vision, Erica has played a key role in shaping thesystems, culture, and patient experience that have helped Ardent Dental become oneof the most trusted dental clinics on the North Shore, with exceptional patientand staff retention.

When asked whyshe loves working with Ardent Dental, she says:

“I havecomplete confidence and trust in the way our clinicians work. Our clinic’sethics, the clinical and cosmetic expertise of our staff, and the overallcommitment to excellence give me confidence in referring my friends and familyto Ardent Dental. Our office’s involvement within the community of Lynn Valleymakes me very proud to be part of this exceptional team of dentalprofessionals.”

Outside ofdentistry, Erica enjoys volunteering in a community garden, travelling, andspending time with her husband, their two sons, and their rescue cat Lux.

Jennifer hasworked with our clinic since 2012, beginning her career in dental reception inthe United Kingdom before joining the Ardent Dental team. With many years ofexperience supporting both patients and clinical teams, she bringsprofessionalism, organization, and warmth to our administrative team.

For many years,Jennifer has been one of the first friendly voices patients hear when they callthe clinic and one of the first smiles they see when they arrive for theirappointments. She enjoys helping patients feel comfortable and well informed,particularly when guiding them through insurance questions and helping thembetter understand their treatment plans.

Over time,Jennifer has taken on an important coordinating role behind the scenes, helpingorganize the administrative work of the practice and supporting the front deskteam to ensure that communication and daily operations run smoothly.

Jennifer saysshe appreciates being part of a team that values compassion, respect, and asupportive work environment. She enjoys working in a practice that focuses oncreating a welcoming, human-centered experience for patients and families inthe Lynn Valley community.

Jennifer livesin North Vancouver with her family and is the proud mother of a young son whokeeps her happily busy. Outside the clinic, she enjoys baking and runs a smallcookie business called Blissful Bites, where she creates beautiful customcookies that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

Born and raisedin North Vancouver, Jasmine completed the Dental Receptionist program at BCITand brings strong organizational and customer service skills to the front desk.

Her previousexperience as a manager in the service industry has strengthened her ability tothink quickly and solve problems efficiently, helping patients feel supportedand well cared for from the moment they contact the clinic.

Her friendlydemeanor, attention to detail, and positive attitude help create a welcomingexperience and ensure that each patient visit runs smoothly and comfortably.

Outside theclinic, Jasmine enjoys peaceful evening walks, spending time with her partnerand family, and caring for her two cats.

Jas grew up onthe North Shore and has called Lynn Valley home since the age of seven. Withmore than five years of experience in dental reception, she brings enthusiasm,warmth, and strong communication skills to the front desk team at ArdentDental.

She enjoysbuilding connections with patients and helping create a welcoming environmentfrom the moment they arrive at the clinic. JAS thrives on interacting withpeople and enjoys chatting with patients while they wait for or finish theirappointments. Her friendly personality and warm smile often extend beyond theoffice—patients sometimes recognize her around the neighborhood and are greetedwith that same welcoming energy.

Always eager togo the extra mile, JAS is dedicated to helping patients feel comfortable andsupported, whether answering questions about appointments, treatment, orinsurance. If she doesn’t know the answer right away, she is always happy tofind it.

Outside ofwork, JAS enjoys music, movies, cooking, and spending time with her partner andtheir cats.

Originally fromBogotá, Colombia, Silvana moved to North Vancouver in 2022. With a backgroundin communications and design, she brings a thoughtful and organized approach tocoordinating patient visits and supporting the front desk team.

Silvana enjoyshelping patients feel informed and comfortable before and after theirappointments, ensuring that every interaction with the clinic is smooth andwelcoming.

Her warmth andnatural sense of humor are among her greatest strengths. They not only help herconnect easily with patients, but also contribute to the positive andsupportive atmosphere within the team. Silvana’s communication skills areespecially helpful when coordinating with insurance providers and managing themany details involved in patient care.

Outside theclinic, Silvana enjoys exploring the North Shore and discovering new cafés andhidden gems around Vancouver.

Megan began hercareer in dentistry as a Certified Dental Assistant in 1998. After working inthat role for more than a decade, she returned to school and graduated as aRegistered Dental Hygienist in 2009.

Earlier in hercareer, Megan also worked in medical aviation as a pilot flying medevac planesin Northern Canada—an experience that helped shape the organized, disciplined,and systematic approach she brings to healthcare today.

Megan takesgreat pride in helping patients improve their oral health over time. One of themost rewarding aspects of her work is seeing a patient with severe periodontaldisease gradually transition to a healthier smile through consistent care,education, and prevention.

She ispassionate about oral health promotion and disease prevention and continuallystays current with new products, innovations, and research in the dental field.Megan has also gained valuable experience working in a periodontist’s specialtyoffice, where she significantly expanded her expertise in periodontal care.

Outside theclinic, Megan is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys skiing, hiking, and spendingtime with her husband and their three children at the lake. In 2020, shesuccessfully competed in the challenging Peak to Creek ski race in Whistler.

Phil graduatedfrom the Dental Hygiene program at Oxford College in Toronto in 2006. Shortlyafterward he moved to Vancouver in 2007 and joined our team in 2021.

Phil’s goal isto make dental cleanings as relaxing as possible. His calm, friendlyapproach—combined with his dry humor and witty jokes—has quickly made him verypopular with patients.

A trueold-school dental professional, Phil brings stability and experience to ourclinic and is a great example of reliability and dependability. Within thehygiene team, he is known as a steady and trusted presence, always ready tosupport both patients and colleagues.

Phil is deeplycommitted to patient care and approaches every patient as a new challenge andopportunity to help someone improve their oral health.

Outside theclinic, Phil enjoys martial arts, listening to music from his recordcollection, and spending time with his wife and daughter in Lynn Valley. Heespecially enjoys cheering on his daughter at her Irish dance classes.

Zlatko earnedhis Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Sarajevo, Bosniaand Herzegovina, where he practiced as a general dentist in his own clinic formore than ten years before moving to Canada. After relocating, he completed hisDental Hygiene Diploma at the Vancouver College of Dental Hygiene, graduatingwith high honours.

Zlatko’sextensive experience in dentistry, combined with his passion for patient care,allows him to provide thoughtful and individualized treatment. He says that oneof the most rewarding aspects of his work is seeing patients return afterfollowing his hygiene advice and noticing meaningful improvements in their oralhealth.

Patientsappreciate Zlatko’s easygoing, energetic, and friendly personality, which helpsease the stress many people feel when visiting the dental office.

Outside ofwork, Zlatko enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and their dog Rufus.In the winter, you will most likely find him skiing on the North Shoremountains.

Monika is adedicated and experienced registered dental hygienist committed to providinggentle, preventive dental care. She graduated from Vancouver Island Universityand later earned her Bachelor of Dental Sciences from the University of BritishColumbia. Since 2009, Monika has been practicing in the Greater Vancouver area,and since 2012 she has proudly called the North Shore home.

Monika’sapproach to dental hygiene focuses on helping patients maintain strongperiodontal health while ensuring a positive, supportive, and educationalexperience during every visit. She strongly believes in preventive care—notonly in dentistry, but in all aspects of overall health and well-being.

In 2011, Monikaparticipated in a medical mission to Liberia, West Africa, where her teamprovided care to nearly 3,000 people. This experience remains one of thehighlights of her professional career and further strengthened her commitmentto compassionate patient care.

Monika has alsoshared her knowledge and experience as a clinical instructor in the UBC DentalHygiene program, a role she found incredibly rewarding and meaningful.

Beyond herwork, Monika values building strong connections within the community where shelives and practices. Living in the Pacific Northwest allows her to fully enjoythe outdoors—snowboarding, trail running, hiking in the mountains, and spendingtime at local beaches. Above all, she loves spending time with her son.

Born and raisedin Montreal with proud Portuguese heritage, Bianca graduated from the DentalHygiene program at John Abbott College in 2018, where she served asco-president of her class, organizing events and advocating on behalf of herpeers. During her studies, she received the Procter & Gamble Award forExcellence in Dental Hygiene.

While living inMontreal, Bianca also volunteered supporting Syrian refugees—an experience thatstrengthened her compassion and deepened her commitment to helping others.

Aftercompleting her studies, Bianca moved to Vancouver, inspired by the city’svibrant community and access to the outdoors. She later took a sabbatical yearto travel across Asia, an experience that broadened her perspective anddeepened her appreciation for connecting with people from different cultures.

Bianca’sinternational travels and exposure to diverse cultures have shaped her into anadaptable and thoughtful healthcare professional who easily connects withpatients from many backgrounds. Her strong interest in preventive dentistry andopenness to new research and advancements make her a valuable contributor tothe ongoing growth and innovation of the Ardent Dental team.

Outside theclinic, Bianca enjoys yoga, Pilates, going to the gym, and spending time innature through hiking and other outdoor activities. She takes health seriouslyand has always had a special interest not only in teeth, but in overallwellness and whole-body health.

Emily grew upin Vancouver and later attended the University of Victoria, where she earnedher Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. With a strong interest in oral healthcareand helping others, she continued her education at the Vancouver College ofDental Hygiene.

Emily enjoysbuilding meaningful connections with her patients and helping them feelcomfortable while supporting their oral health. Her background in psychologyallows her to approach patient care with empathy and understanding, creating apositive and reassuring experience for patients of all ages.

Known for hercalm and thoughtful nature, Emily brings a quiet sense of wisdom,professionalism, and balance to the clinic. She believes that maintainingbalance in life is essential for both mental and physical well-being, and shestrives to bring that same sense of calm and perspective into her work withpatients.

Outside theclinic, Emily enjoys travelling and spending time with her husband, their son,and their dog.

Nichole bringsmore than 20 years of experience as a Certified Dental Assistant to the ArdentDental team. She truly cares about her patients and takes pride in buildinggenuine relationships while helping people feel comfortable during both routineand emergency dental visits.

As Lead DentalAssistant, Nichole plays a central role in coordinating the clinical side ofthe practice. She helps organize daily clinical operations and serves as a keyliaison between the clinical team, Erica, and Dr. Bach, ensuring smoothcommunication and collaboration among dentists, hygienists, and assistants.

Her calmpresence and ever-present smile embody the Ardent Dental philosophy—excellent,patient-centered care grounded in compassion, integrity, and community service.

Throughout hercareer, Nichole has volunteered providing dental care in Vancouver, MexicoCity, and in tsunami-affected regions of Thailand, helping communities whereaccess to dental treatment was limited.

Nichole livesin Lynn Valley with her husband and three children and enjoys hiking andrunning the beautiful trails of the North Shore with her dog, Indy.

Originally fromGrande Prairie, Alberta, Esther moved to Langley with her family in 2012 andrecently relocated to Vancouver. She graduated from the Certified DentalAssistant program at Vancouver Community College in 2015 and joined our team inearly 2016.

Esther has beenpart of the Ardent Dental team for a decade, and her professional growth hasclosely paralleled the growth of our practice. Over the years, she haswitnessed—and contributed to—many of the positive developments that have shapedour clinic.

Over time,Esther has developed a strong ability to quickly understand each dentist’sindividual working style, allowing her to assist seamlessly with a wide rangeof procedures across the practice. Her experience, adaptability, and attentionto detail help ensure that treatments run smoothly and efficiently for bothpatients and clinicians.

An enthusiasticand dedicated learner, Esther completed advanced training in orthodontics andhas become an important part of our orthodontic care. She plays a key role incoordinating Invisalign treatment and helping guide patients through theirorthodontic journeys from start to finish.

Outside theclinic, Esther is passionate about sports—both watching and participating. Sheenjoys travelling to follow her favorite teams, including the VancouverWhitecaps, the Vancouver Canucks, and the Vancouver women’s hockey team, theVancouver Goldeneyes. She now lives in downtown Vancouver, making her dailycommute much shorter than when she previously travelled from Langley.

Sofia was bornand raised in the Philippines and moved to Vancouver in 2022. She completed theCertified Dental Assistant program at Western Community College and also earneda diploma in Hospitality Management.

She began herdental career working at a nonprofit clinic in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside,where she gained valuable experience and developed a strong passion for patientcare—especially for individuals who often face barriers to accessing dentaltreatment.

Sofia’sbackground in hospitality management complements her role at Ardent Dental,bringing a warm, welcoming, and human-centered approach to the daily experienceof patients in the clinic.

A quick learnerand a gentle soul, Sofia brings warmth, enthusiasm, and positivity to the busyrhythm of the clinic. Her adaptability and team spirit make her a valuedassistant and someone who easily helps put patients at ease.

Outside theclinic, Sofia enjoys hiking, camping, picnics with friends and family, andexploring new restaurants and cafés.

Julie movedfrom the Philippines to Canada in 2015 and has called Vancouver home eversince.

Before joiningArdent Dental, Julie worked at the Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society DentalClinic, where she helped patients who often face barriers to accessing dentalcare. That experience strengthened her compassionate, patient-centered approachto dentistry and aligns closely with Ardent Dental’s philosophy of care focusedon empathy, respect, and patient well-being.

Julie is knownfor her calm, caring, and altruistic nature. She brings warmth and dedicationto her work and naturally gravitates toward helping others. Her strongcommunity-minded values and positive attitude make her a valued member of theteam.

A quicklearner, Julie adapts easily to the many needs of a busy dental practice and isalways ready to support both patients and colleagues.

Outside theclinic, Julie enjoys exploring Vancouver’s scenery, walking along the seawall,and discovering new neighbourhood restaurants and cafés with friends andfamily.

Sarah is thefriendly force behind the scenes at Ardent Dental, helping ensure thateverything in the clinic runs smoothly, safely, and spotlessly each day.Although she joined the dental field relatively recently, she has quicklybecome an essential part of the team.

With a strongwork ethic and a genuine curiosity for learning, Sarah is always eager todeepen her understanding of dentistry and support the clinical team in any wayshe can. Her attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standardsof sterilization and organization help create a safe and efficient environmentfor both patients and staff.

Sarah’spositive energy and warm personality contribute greatly to the supportiveatmosphere within the clinic.

Outside ofwork, Sarah enjoys cooking—especially Middle Eastern cuisine—and loves bringingpeople together over delicious food and great music.