Dr. Minko Bach is the founder and owner of Ardent Dental in Lynn Valley. He believes that the foundation of excellent dentistry is built on trust, relationships, and teamwork. For Dr. Bach, caring for patients is not simply about providing treatment—it is about building long-term relationships based on honesty, respect, and genuine connection. This philosophy shapes the culture of Ardent Dental, where collaboration between patients, team members, dental laboratories, and specialist partners is essential to achieving the best possible outcomes.

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

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

Dr. Bach remains deeply committed to lifelong learning and professional development. He is a Certified Invisalign Provider and continues advanced training through organizations such as the Spear Institute and the International Team for Implantology (ITI). He is also a member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA).

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

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

His clinical interests include aesthetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and implant dentistry, with a strong focus on providing thoughtful, personalized treatment that balances function, health, and natural-looking results.

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

Outside the clinic, Dr. Bach lives on the North Shore with his wife and enjoys spending time with their two adult children.

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

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

At Ardent Dental, Dr. Joyce focuses primarily on orthodontic treatment, helping patients improve both function and aesthetics through carefully planned tooth alignment and bite correction. His orthodontic work is complemented by a growing interest in the development and growth of dental arches and their relationship to tongue space, airway health, and sleep patterns.

Dr. Joyce has completed extensive advanced training, including a Mini Orthodontic Residency at the University of British Columbia (2020), the Orofacial Pain Continuum at Louisiana State University (2021), and the Airway Health Solutions Mini Residency (2022). He is Invisalign certified since 2012 and became a Gold Invisalign Provider in 2021, and he is also Healthy Start certified.

Dr. Joyce maintains active involvement in several professional organizations and educational institutions. He serves on the BC College Ethics Committee and is an advisor with the Pankey Institute, while continuing his professional development through organizations such as the Spear Institute, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Equilibration Society.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Joyce enjoys cycling, skiing, and hiking with his wife, adult children, and their labradoodle.

Dr. Vassil Zlatkov is known for his warm personality and genuine ability to connect with patients. He is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care and takes pride in helping patients of all ages feel comfortable and confident in their dental care.

Dr. Zlatkov earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Melbourne in Australia. Prior to pursuing dentistry, he completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, where he developed a strong interest in health sciences and human performance.

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

Raised in Vancouver, Dr. Zlatkov enjoys golf, hiking, and exploring the mountains of British Columbia with his wife—who is also a dentist—and their Golden Retriever, Daisy.

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Dr. Jeffrey Zhou is committed to providing ethical, transparent care and delivering advanced dentistry with precision and integrity. He believes that trust and open communication are essential to creating a positive dental experience and takes pride in helping patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident in their treatment decisions.

Born in Toronto and raised in St. Catharines in the Niagara region, Dr. Zhou was inspired to pursue dentistry by his father, a dedicated dentist whose passion for the profession left a lasting impression. He completed his dental training at Charles Sturt University in Australia, where he developed a strong foundation in comprehensive patient care.

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

Dr. Zhou believes that modern dentistry should combine clinical excellence with clear communication and individualized treatment planning so that patients feel confident and well informed about their care.

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

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Dr. Gwyneth Vo is a compassionate dentist dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-based care in a supportive and welcoming environment. Her unique professional journey—from practicing as a dental hygienist for over ten years to becoming a dentist—gives her a deep understanding of preventive care and patient education, which continues to shape her thoughtful approach to dentistry.

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

Following dental school, Dr. Vo spent three years providing comprehensive dental care within the public health sector in Brisbane, Australia, where she gained valuable experience treating a diverse range of patients and clinical conditions.

In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Vo has contributed to dental education as a Clinical Instructor at the University of British Columbia, where she taught dental hygiene students in areas including local anesthesia and problem-based learning.

Dr. Vo continues to pursue professional development and advanced training to provide the highest standard of care for her patients. She has a strong interest in delivering comprehensive, holistic dental care that considers both oral health and overall wellbeing.

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

Dr. Vo maintains professional affiliations with the Canadian Dental Association, the British Columbia Dental Association, and the Kois Center.

Erica’s passion for dentistry comes from her love of helping people smile with confidence. She began her career as a Certified Dental Assistant and brings many years of rich experience in the dental field. Over time, Erica developed not only a strong clinical understanding of dentistry but also a deep interest in the systems and organization that allow a dental practice to run smoothly.

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

Her role often places 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’s commitment to thoughtful, high-quality care.

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

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

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

“I have complete confidence and trust in the way our clinicians work. Our clinic’s ethics, the clinical and cosmetic expertise of our staff, and the overall commitment to excellence give me confidence in referring my friends and family to Ardent Dental. Our office’s involvement within the community of Lynn Valley makes me very proud to be part of this exceptional team of dental professionals.”

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

Jennifer has worked with our clinic since 2012, beginning her career in dental reception in the United Kingdom before joining the Ardent Dental team. With many years of experience supporting both patients and clinical teams, she brings professionalism, organization, and warmth to our administrative team.

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

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

Jennifer says she appreciates being part of a team that values compassion, respect, and a supportive work environment. She enjoys working in a practice that focuses on creating a welcoming, human-centered experience for patients and families in the Lynn Valley community.

Jennifer lives in North Vancouver with her family and is the proud mother of a young son who keeps her happily busy. Outside the clinic, she enjoys baking and runs a small cookie business called Blissful Bites, where she creates beautiful custom cookies that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

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

Her previous experience as a manager in the service industry has strengthened her ability to think quickly and solve problems efficiently, helping patients feel supported and well cared for from the moment they contact the clinic.

Her friendly demeanor, attention to detail, and positive attitude help create a welcoming experience and ensure that each patient visit runs smoothly and comfortably.

Outside the clinic, Jasmine enjoys peaceful evening walks, spending time with her partner and family, and caring for her two cats.

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

She enjoys building connections with patients and helping create a welcoming environment from the moment they arrive at the clinic. JAS thrives on interacting with people and enjoys chatting with patients while they wait for or finish their appointments. Her friendly personality and warm smile often extend beyond the office—patients sometimes recognize her around the neighborhood and are greeted with that same welcoming energy.

Always eager to go the extra mile, JAS is dedicated to helping patients feel comfortable and supported, whether answering questions about appointments, treatment, or insurance. If she doesn’t know the answer right away, she is always happy to find it.

Outside of work, JAS enjoys music, movies, cooking, and spending time with her partner and their cats.

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

Silvana enjoys helping patients feel informed and comfortable before and after their appointments, ensuring that every interaction with the clinic is smooth and welcoming.

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

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

Megan began her career in dentistry as a Certified Dental Assistant in 1998. After working in that role for more than a decade, she returned to school and graduated as a Registered Dental Hygienist in 2009.

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

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

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

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

Phil graduated from the Dental Hygiene program at Oxford College in Toronto in 2006. Shortly afterward he moved to Vancouver in 2007 and joined our team in 2021.

Phil’s goal is to make dental cleanings as relaxing as possible. His calm, friendly approach—combined with his dry humor and witty jokes—has quickly made him very popular with patients.

A true old-school dental professional, Phil brings stability and experience to our clinic and is a great example of reliability and dependability. Within the hygiene team, he is known as a steady and trusted presence, always ready to support both patients and colleagues.

Phil is deeply committed to patient care and approaches every patient as a new challenge and opportunity to help someone improve their oral health.

Outside the clinic, Phil enjoys martial arts, listening to music from his record collection, and spending time with his wife and daughter in Lynn Valley. He especially enjoys cheering on his daughter at her Irish dance classes.

Zlatko earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he practiced as a general dentist in his own clinic for more than ten years before moving to Canada. After relocating, he completed his Dental Hygiene Diploma at the Vancouver College of Dental Hygiene, graduating with high honours.

Zlatko’s extensive experience in dentistry, combined with his passion for patient care, allows him to provide thoughtful and individualized treatment. He says that one of the most rewarding aspects of his work is seeing patients return after following his hygiene advice and noticing meaningful improvements in their oral health.

Patients appreciate Zlatko’s easygoing, energetic, and friendly personality, which helps ease the stress many people feel when visiting the dental office.

Outside of work, 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 Shore mountains.

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

Monika’s approach to dental hygiene focuses on helping patients maintain strong periodontal health while ensuring a positive, supportive, and educational experience during every visit. She strongly believes in preventive care—not only in dentistry, but in all aspects of overall health and well-being.

In 2011, Monika participated in a medical mission to Liberia, West Africa, where her team provided care to nearly 3,000 people. This experience remains one of the highlights of her professional career and further strengthened her commitment to compassionate patient care.

Monika has also shared her knowledge and experience as a clinical instructor in the UBC Dental Hygiene program, a role she found incredibly rewarding and meaningful.

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

Born and raised in Montreal with proud Portuguese heritage, Bianca graduated from the Dental Hygiene program at John Abbott College in 2018, where she served as co-president of her class, organizing events and advocating on behalf of her peers. During her studies, she received the Procter & Gamble Award for Excellence in Dental Hygiene.

While living in Montreal, Bianca also volunteered supporting Syrian refugees—an experience that strengthened her compassion and deepened her commitment to helping others.

After completing her studies, Bianca moved to Vancouver, inspired by the city’s vibrant community and access to the outdoors. She later took a sabbatical year to travel across Asia, an experience that broadened her perspective and deepened her appreciation for connecting with people from different cultures.

Bianca’s international travels and exposure to diverse cultures have shaped her into an adaptable and thoughtful healthcare professional who easily connects with patients from many backgrounds. Her strong interest in preventive dentistry and openness to new research and advancements make her a valuable contributor to the ongoing growth and innovation of the Ardent Dental team.

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

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

Emily enjoys building meaningful connections with her patients and helping them feel comfortable while supporting their oral health. Her background in psychology allows her to approach patient care with empathy and understanding, creating a positive and reassuring experience for patients of all ages.

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

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

Nichole brings more than 20 years of experience as a Certified Dental Assistant to the Ardent Dental team. She truly cares about her patients and takes pride in building genuine relationships while helping people feel comfortable during both routine and emergency dental visits.

As Lead Dental Assistant, Nichole plays a central role in coordinating the clinical side of the practice. She helps organize daily clinical operations and serves as a key liaison between the clinical team, Erica, and Dr. Bach, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration among dentists, hygienists, and assistants.

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

Throughout her career, Nichole has volunteered providing dental care in Vancouver, Mexico City, and in tsunami-affected regions of Thailand, helping communities where access to dental treatment was limited.

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

Originally from Grande Prairie, Alberta, Esther moved to Langley with her family in 2012 and recently relocated to Vancouver. She graduated from the Certified Dental Assistant program at Vancouver Community College in 2015 and joined our team in early 2016.

Esther has been part of the Ardent Dental team for a decade, and her professional growth has closely paralleled the growth of our practice. Over the years, she has witnessed—and contributed to—many of the positive developments that have shaped our clinic.

Over time, Esther has developed a strong ability to quickly understand each dentist’s individual working style, allowing her to assist seamlessly with a wide range of procedures across the practice. Her experience, adaptability, and attention to detail help ensure that treatments run smoothly and efficiently for both patients and clinicians.

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

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

Sofia was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to Vancouver in 2022. She completed the Certified Dental Assistant program at Western Community College and also earned a diploma in Hospitality Management.

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

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

A quick learner and a gentle soul, Sofia brings warmth, enthusiasm, and positivity to the busy rhythm of the clinic. Her adaptability and team spirit make her a valued assistant and someone who easily helps put patients at ease.

Outside the clinic, Sofia enjoys hiking, camping, picnics with friends and family, and exploring new restaurants and cafés.

Julie moved from the Philippines to Canada in 2015 and has called Vancouver home ever since.

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

Julie is known for her calm, caring, and altruistic nature. She brings warmth and dedication to her work and naturally gravitates toward helping others. Her strong community-minded values and positive attitude make her a valued member of the team.

A quick learner, Julie adapts easily to the many needs of a busy dental practice and is always ready to support both patients and colleagues.

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

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

With a strong work ethic and a genuine curiosity for learning, Sarah is always eager to deepen her understanding of dentistry and support the clinical team in any way she can. Her attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards of sterilization and organization help create a safe and efficient environment for both patients and staff.

Sarah’s positive energy and warm personality contribute greatly to the supportive atmosphere within the clinic.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys cooking—especially Middle Eastern cuisine—and loves bringing people together over delicious food and great music.