Dr. Omar Kassam
Founder & President
BDS (Lond) LDS, RCS (Eng)
Dr. Omar Kassam is an Accredited Educator for the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) for Canada. He is one of the first dentists to integrate Lasers in General Dentistry practice in Canada. Last year, Dr. Kassam was honoured with a distinctive Master of Laser Dentistry award from the Academy of Laser Dentistry. He teaches worldwide on the use of lasers in dentistry and medicine, and the concept of the Dental Spa Experience. Moreover, Dr. Kassam conducts ALD courses for standard proficiency accreditation in the use of lasers for dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants.
Yaletown Laser & Cosmetic Dentistry (YLCD) was founded in 1998 by Dr. Shelly Kassam and Dr. Omar Kassam to provide a dedicated facility for cosmetic and laser dentistry. Drs. Kassam has been practicing for a combined 45 years in the field of cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry. Since 1998, the Kassam’s have focused their energies on laser and cosmetic makeovers, bio-aesthetic and neuromuscular dentistry and full mouth rehabilitations and preventative programs in a non-threatening, spa-like environment.
Dr. Omar Kassam is also the founder of Yaletown @ Kensington, a Cosmetic Smile Makeover and Bio-Aesthetic Rehabilitation Dental Centre in London, England where he visits once a month to treat patients and teach laser and cosmetic dentistry.
Dr. Shelly Kassam
Founder & President
BDS (Lond) LDS, RCS (Eng)
Dr. Shelly Kassam was born in Africa and raised and educated in London, England. She graduated from The University of London with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and a Licentiate of Dental Surgery with The Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1981. Since 1998, Dr. Shelly has completed many Advanced Programs in Medical Aesthetics, Lasers and Facial & Body Rejuvenation. She has lectured internationally on the multidisciplinary use of lasers in facial rejuvenation, inner wellness, and holistic balance. Dr. Kassam hosted her own radio show and magazine column called The New You.
Yaletown Laser Centre (previously Yaletown Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Centre) was borne out of her own pain and loss of self after two car accidents and ensuing fibromyalgia diminished her successful career in dentistry. Determined to fight back, she ventured to India and recovered from this devastating condition with holistic Ayurveda Medicine, yoga and meditation. Her commitment to create a better sense of self and regain esteem and confidence is fueled by her own personal history and she is passionate about creating a centre that helps people realize their full potential and guides them towards their own journey of change.
Dr. Shelly works closely with the Medical Director and a highly skilled skin, laser and body care team to put together the latest in proactive preventive programs for anti-ageing, full face rejuvenation and body contouring.
“I strongly believe in a culture of care with active listening and kind compassionate delivery of personalized service, customizing each person’s treatment plan to synergize with their own goals and vision. Our hope is to provide excellence in a relaxed, fun, spa-like setting, with the latest cutting edge technology that is science-based and results-driven. Creating positive change in our patients’ lives invigorates our team and creates growth in all of us”.
Dr. Shelly is the proud mother of four sons. Her interests include yoga, meditation and lifestyle balance as well as reading, poetry recitals, theatre, travel and design.
Dr. Abbas Tejani
General Dentist
Dr. Abbas Tejani graduated from the University of Bristol in 1984 and worked in general practice in England for 6 years before qualifying in Canada in the 90th percentile before moving to Vancouver in 1999. He has always continued to strive for excellence and to expand his scope and skills in dentistry from starting off as a “tooth” dentist, growing to provide treatment as a whole mouth dentist and now evolving to provide dentistry in the context of the whole body.
Dr. Tejani has studied with leading members of his profession in the field of cosmetics, temporomandiubular joint dysfunction (TMJD) and occlusion, full mouth reconstruction, implants and orthodontics, from England, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, the USA and Canada and continues to build upon his skills taking numerous post graduate educational courses every year.
He has practices in Vancouver and London, England where he works to bring his expertise, enthusiasm, and skills together for the benefit of his patients. He has a very carting and gentle manner and is committed to a holistic approach, placing an emphasis on your overall health.
Dr. Tejani loves to swim, ski and hike – he has trekked to Everest and to the India Himalayan. He loves the theatre, reading and eating at great restaurants.
Dr. Tejani is a member of the:
Canadian Dental Association
BC Dental Assocation
College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
British Dental Assocation
Canadian Association of Restorative Dentists and Prosthodontists
American Academy of Craniofacial Pain
Dr. Sam Shokati
General Dentist
Dr. Sahand Shokati is a dental professional who excels in the field of dentistry with a particular emphasis on innovative laser treatments. He began his academic journey by earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia, followed by a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the University of Sydney in 2020. Dr. Shokati’s commitment to staying at the cutting edge of dental technology is evident in his pursuit of a Masters in Laser Dentistry (MSc) at the Laser and Health Academy and the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome, Italy. This advanced training ensures that Dr. Shokati remains at the forefront of dental techniques that prioritize patient comfort and effective results.
Throughout his career, Dr. Shokati has dedicated himself to serving various communities, practicing in Kamloops and Clearwater before settling in Vancouver. Currently, he works at Yaletown Laser & Cosmetic Dentistry, where he focuses on preventative care and educating his patients to help them maintain optimal oral health. His practice philosophy centers on compassionate care and employing advanced dental treatments to enhance patient outcomes.
Dr. Shokati’s is an active member of several organizations such as the BC Dental Association (BCDA), Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD), and the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP). Through these affiliations, Dr. Shokati stays informed about the latest advancements and best practices in dentistry, ensuring that his patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Shokati has a keen interest in photobiomodulation (PBM) treatments, a sophisticated laser therapy technique that aids in pain relief and helps reduce recovery time. This interest is part of his broader specialization in laser dentistry, which includes using laser technology for various dental procedures. His expertise in this area has grown significantly over the past three years, marked by his rigorous training and hands-on experience.
Currently, Dr. Shokati is expanding his expertise through continuous education in a master’s program specifically tailored to laser dentistry. This program, offered by the Laser and Health Academy in collaboration with the International Master in Laser Dentistry program at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome, Italy, is a testament to his dedication to professional development and his commitment to adopting innovative approaches in his practice. Dr. Shokati’s ongoing education and active participation in the dental community underscore his dedication to excellence in dental care, positioning him as a leader in the field and a trusted provider to his patients.