Leah van Draanen Earwaker
The Beginning
I've wanted to be a dentist for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was the one leaning in during my own appointments, asking questions, watching every step. My dentist at the time was patient enough to explain what she was doing and why — and somewhere in those visits, I understood that dentistry was something I wanted to do. Not just the technical side of it, but the part where you get to sit across from someone, understand what's going on for them, and actually help.
That curiosity took me from Winnipeg to Toronto, through a science degree at the University of Waterloo, and then to Western University for dental school. After graduating, I completed a hospital-based surgical residency through the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, working alongside patients managing cancer, complex medical conditions, and traumatic injuries. It was demanding, clarifying work, and it shaped how I think about care: thoroughly, and with the whole person in mind.
During my residency, I had a placement in Victoria, fell in love with the island, and never really left.
Associations
Fun Facts
More About Dr. Van Draanen Earwaker
The Work
I've spent the years since building a clinical foundation I'm genuinely proud of. More than 200 hours of advanced restorative training at the Kois Center in Seattle, one of the most respected continuing education programmes in dentistry. Additional training in implant placement and restoration through UBC. Ongoing coursework, because I've always believed that the more you know, the better you can care for someone.
My surgical residency gave me something that's harder to quantify: experience with complexity. Treating patients with serious medical histories and traumatic injuries taught me to think carefully, move deliberately, and never take a straightforward case for granted. That instinct stays with me in every appointment.
The Philosophy
My goal has always been simple: help people keep their natural teeth for life. Everything else, restorations, implants, cosmetic work, follows from that. I'm interested in understanding where your mouth is heading over the next twenty years and helping you make decisions that serve you well.
I do a thorough exam with every new patient. Not just teeth, but gum health, bite, jaw function, and the broader picture. I use an intraoral camera so you can see exactly what I'm seeing, because I've found that patients who understand what's happening in their own mouths feel far more confident about their care. Patients often tell me after their first visit that it was the most thorough exam they'd had. That's not an accident. It's the standard I hold myself to.
The Promise
Dental care can be expensive, and the last thing I want is for a patient to leave an appointment surprised by a bill. My team works hard to provide accurate insurance estimates before treatment begins and to communicate clearly about appointment length and what to expect. Our goal is for you to know what's happening and what it costs before you sit down in the chair.
I also want you to feel heard. If something worries you, tell me before we start. If you've had a bad experience somewhere else, I want to know about it. My job isn't just to look after your teeth. It's to make sure you feel comfortable so you can get the care you deserve.
The Practice
Highrock Dental is the practice I spent years planning. A space with naural light, a calming atmosphere, and a team that genuinely cares about the people who walk through the door. I built it to be a place where patients feel informed, respected, and at ease, and where the standard of care reflects how seriously I take this work.
I'm looking forward to getting to know you.
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 led 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 those in need in her 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.