Meet Dr. Leah van Draanen Earwaker DDS

Healthy Smiles, Comfortable Care – Bringing Precise, Quality Dentistry to Victoria and the Surrounding Communities.

Learn more

Dr. Leah standing on top of a rock next to a statue.

Dr. Leah standing in front of a body of water.

About Dr. Leah

Dr Leah van Draanen Earwaker, known to her patients as Dr. Leah, is a friendly and compassionate dentist practising in Victoria, BC. She was born in Winnipeg, raised in Toronto and has lived in various cities throughout her life in the pursuit of becoming the best dentist she can be!

She spent her early adult life in Southwestern Ontario obtaining a science degree at the University of Waterloo, followed by a degree in Dentistry at Western University prior to moving to British Columbia. After dental school she completed a surgical residency in Vancouver, during which time she had a placement in Victoria and immediately fell in love with the island. Once her residency was completed she moved to Victoria as she loves the natural beauty the island has to offer.

Dr. Leah lives in Victoria with her partner and their tuxedo-cat (Winston) and conure bird (Seamus). During her spare time she likes to go skiing, paddle boarding, golfing and enjoys visiting with friends.

Why Dentistry? Curiosity & Passion

Ever since I was little, I have always been curious about human health. It started during my dental visits as a child when my dentist would explain the treatment and let me follow the process. I was always amazed, as if I was watching a magic trick, wondering how it all worked. It is from these visits I knew dentistry was for me, as I get to meet people, talk with people, and take care of people all while performing technical procedures that repeatedly demonstrate the relationships of science – magic!

I am grateful for my childhood dentist because her explanations and communication demonstrated her care for her patients, allowing me to overcome dental anxiety and feel relaxed. My philosophy of care resembles this, as I am passionate about communicating with people about their health, their options, and how to make the visit to the dentist as stress free as possible.

My Purpose is Your Smile

Function

Teeth are built to last, so why do they break?
Teeth are designed to last a lifetime, yet they often chip, thin, or break. Despite being stronger than bones, changes in how teeth touch and chew over time can cause wear. My goal is to help patients achieve the healthiest mouth and bite to ensure their teeth endure for life.

Health

It’s (not) ALL in the teeth!
Teeth reveal a lot, from stress levels to dietary habits, but they’re just one part of the bigger picture. As a dentist, I focus on both oral and overall health, addressing systemic concerns and emphasizing preventative care. With growing strains on the healthcare system, assessing my patients’ overall health is more important than ever.

Smile Happily

I understand how a smile can impact confidence and quality of life. My goal as an oral healthcare professional is to help you achieve a smile that empowers you. If enhancing your smile is a priority, feel free to reach out to start the conversation!

CARE

We focus on care with attention to every detail, ensuring your dental visit is as comfortable as possible. From personalized touches like TV or extra pillows, to understanding your needs, our team is dedicated to making your experience stress-free and welcoming.

The Pursuit of Clinical Excellence

Dr. Leah is committed to her role as an oral health provider and continuously pursues advanced training. She believes that the more you know the better you can be. She has devoted a significant amount of time to honing her skills in the following domains:

Dr. Leah sitting on a wooden bench in a park.

Comprehensive Care – Dr. Leah has completed over 200 hours of advanced dental training at the world-renowned Kois Center in Seattle, WA. She also has taken part in study clubs from the distinguished Spear Education. These education centres have provided Dr. Leah with training that has dramatically enhanced the care she provides for her patients. Currently, she is devoting her time to train with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry to help patients achieve a natural and beautiful smile.

Surgical Care – Early in her career Dr. Leah developed a special interest in surgery and decided to pursue a hospital-based residency in Vancouver, BC with the University of British Columbia. During this time, she provided treatment for cancer patients, patients with severe medical comorbidities and patients with traumatic injuries. Additionally, she completed and assisted countless surgical procedures.

Furthermore, Dr. Leah has completed additional training in implant placement and restorations through the University of British Columbia and the Kois Center. Dr Leah continues to take courses on dental implants as they are an excellent option for tooth replacement.

Anxiety and Dental Fear – Dr Leah understands that no one enjoys the process of a dental procedure. Thus, she immediately completed additional training in conscious sedation so that she can help her patients feel more at ease during their appointment.

Community Contributions

Dr. Leah recognizes the impact that her role can have for people in the community, and she values giving back to the community she is part of. Below is a list of her contributions:

Brush-A-Mania, London Ontario - Dr. Leah lead this outreach program where dental students would go to public schools in low-income areas to provide oral health education. The program provided fun, interactive and informative sessions that taught kids how to have healthy mouths.

Cool Aid Society, Victoria BC – Dr. Leah worked full-time at the Cool Aid Dental Clinic just shy of two years. She greatly enjoyed her time working at the clinic providing dental services to anyone in the community.

Victoria District Dental Society Executive Member, Victoria BC – Dr. Leah is an active member of the local dental society and has taken on a voluntary role on the Executive team within the society.