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Dr. Derek Okamura
Derek graduated from his hometown University of Manitoba in 1994 and was honoured with the medal for oral pathology. His education over his 25 years of practice have included training with the Pankey Institute, The Seattle Institute with Dr. Frank Spears, Occlusion Connections with Dr. Clayton Chan and the Las Vegas Institute for Cosmetic Dentistry.
Although Derek loves the the prairie sunshine of his hometown Winnipeg he made a decision to move to B.C. in 1999 to practice in general family dentistry treating both adults and children.
Dr. Okamura’s areas of focus include TMJ, Chronic pain and bite reconstruction, Orthodontics and Myofunctional therapy.
His goal for perfection and detail combined with his commitment to total health gives him a unique understanding of the direct correlation between dental health and the wellness of the body. His attention to alignment, airway and bite and how it relates to chronic pain is an area of focus for Dr. Okamura.
When asked why he is so passionate about dentistry he shares, “Dentistry has the best of both worlds for me. It is a science where as a health care professional it allows me to help others and it is also a detailed art which allows me to create perfection.”
What is one core piece of Okamura Dental that makes it special?
What do you enjoy outside of your work?
Outside the office, I enjoy spending time with my family through watching my kids play hockey. One of my greatest joys is getting to support my kids in the sports and activities they love. Time in the outdoors is something is also very important to me. Whether it's walking our dog, Oakley, at the beach, or fly fishing out on the water, or camping with the family, I value special moments that help keep me balanced, connected, and appreciative of the people and city around me.
Okamura Dental is, and has always been, founded on authentic connection. We are not a corporate office by any means, but rather a tight knit community of people who want to take care of each other. We don't see people as just patients or office members, but rather friends and family. Every treatment plan that I create for my patients is unique to that individual, and no two treatment plans are the same. I take great pride in treating my patients with the same dental care I would hope for myself, with always just the right amount to keep our patients well cared for and healthy, but only to the extent they need, and no more. Before we are a business, we are all human beings, and we treat every single person who walks through our door with the highest care and empathy.