About Your ‘Dentist Near Me’
In Maple Ridge

Dr Payam Eslami, General Dentist, (DMD, B.A.Sc, EE) has been practicing family and cosmetic dentistry in Maple Ridge since 2013.

Prior to earning his degree in dentistry, he studied in Electrical Engineering and received his Bachelor’s degree with distinction at the University of British of Columbia. He then attended and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of British Columbia.

As a former engineer, he is a strong believer in implementing the latest technologies to obtain the highest quality of care for his patients. He enjoys attending post-degree seminars and continuing education classes to add to his skill sets.

Dr. Eslami and his team are committed to providing quality care in a kind and comfortable environment. They have helped many patients from all ages overcome their anxiety towards dental treatment. He also values and strives to establish trusting long term relationships with his patients.

His hobbies include reading, traveling, hiking, and playing soccer.

Dr. Abby Sra was originally born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and spent some of her life there before moving to New Westminster where she has been for majority of her life. Following her Bachelors of Science degree at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Abby achieved her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from UBC.

Dr. Abby’s main philosophy is to always put the patient first and ensure that patients feel comfortable and relaxed when coming to the dentist.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends and her dog Niko! She always enjoys finding new restaurants to try and places to travel!

Originally from Toronto, Dr. Zhang’s journey to becoming a dentist began at Queen’s University, where he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences. It was during this time that he developed a deep-rooted interest in healthcare, driven by his desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Dr. Zhang attended the University of British Columbia for his Doctor of Dental Medicine. Here, he honed his skills and gained valuable experience in various facets of oral healthcare, always with a strong emphasis on patient well-being.

Dr. Zhang understands that visiting the dentist can be an intimidating experience for many. He enjoys taking the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and tailor treatment plans to meet your unique needs and preferences.

Outside of dentistry you may find Dr. Zhang tinkering with old film cameras at your local coffee shop or trying out the latest restaurants in town.

Dr. Zhang practices in both English and Mandarin Chinese (普通话).

Dr. Anika Gong was raised in Coquitlam, British Columbia, before heading to the East Coast to complete her Bachelor of Science degree at McGill University. She then returned to British Columbia to earn her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of British Columbia.

During her time at UBC, Dr. Anika developed a deep appreciation for the importance of patient-centered care in dentistry. She is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable, heard, and empowered to ask questions about their oral health. Dr. Anika is passionate about building strong relationships with her patients and ensuring each visit is a positive experience. Dr. Anika offers services in Mandarin and English.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Anika enjoys spending time in nature hiking or bouldering. When indoors, she loves relaxing with her loved ones—and her two cats.

Heather, our Office Manager, can still sometimes be seen helping out in the clinic as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). With 18 years of experience as a CDA, she took a brief break early in her career to travel. She has spent most of her life in the Ridge Meadows area.

Heather is a proud mother of two young daughters and a dog. She cherishes time with her family and makes it a priority to enjoy the natural beauty around us whenever possible.

She has a deep passion for working with people and takes great pride in providing a caring and supportive environment for our patients.

Olivia grew up in Maple Ridge and went to school to become a Dental Hygienist in 2021.

Olivia’s top priority is to have her patients feel comfortable at the dentist. She takes pride in offering the highest quality of care to patients, ensuring theirs smiles are not only beautiful but also healthy.

In her spare time she enjoys watching football on Sundays, playing soccer, and spending time outdoors with her dog.

Vanessa graduated with honours as a Dental Hygienist from the Vancouver College of Dental Hygiene in August 2023 and loves dentistry. Prior to completing her Dental Hygiene Diploma she worked as a Certified Dental Assistant for 6 years. She completed her Orthodontic Module at the University of British Columbia in 2019 furthering her passion for dentistry. Vanessa’s favourite thing about being a dental hygienist is engaging with patients educating them on their oral health and helping them achieve confidence in their smiles!

When she’s not in the office you can either find her at the gym, hiking, camping, enjoying happy hour with friends at a local restaurant or spending time with her family and dog Bella. Vanessa loves listening to Chelsea Cutler music and indulging in a good charcuterie board with her closest friends.

Mai is a dedicated dental hygienist with a passion for helping others maintain their oral health and confidence. With a caring approach she creates a comfortable and welcoming environment for patients, offering expert advice and hands-on care. Whether it’s relaxing with loved ones or enjoying a fun day out, Mai knows the importance of balance and connection. At home she shares life with a loyal and energetic dog, a constant companion who adds joy and adventure to everyday life.

Jessica has been practising as Certified Dental Assistant since 2011. She has worked with Dr. Payam for several years in Chilliwack before joining the Cottonwood Dental Team. Her priority is to help patients feel relaxed and comfortable during their dental procedures, ensuring a good understanding of what they can expect during their appointments.

Her time outside the clinic is often spent outdoors, running on trails, hiking, paddle boarding, or simply enjoying the fresh air and beauty of nature.

With 10 years of hands-on experience as a dental assistant, Aleisha brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the dental field. Having worked with diverse patient needs and in various dental settings she is known for a professional, detail-oriented approach that ensures patient comfort and effective care. Aleisha is expanding expertise in the field and is eager to incorporate new techniques into everyday practice. Outside of the office, she is an adventurous spirit, always seeking new experiences and challenges. Whether it’s traveling, exploring new hobbies, or enjoying outdoor activities, she embraces life with curiosity and a sense of fun. She is a proud mom of 3 beautiful border collies.

Sanaz brings fresh knowledge to our dental team. She is passionate about patient care, assisting with procedures, and supporting our dental team to ensure smooth and efficient operations. She strives on delivering high-quality care and assisting in creating positive patient experiences. Outside of work, Sanaz values close family connections and enjoys spending quality time with loved ones. Whether it’s relaxing with family or sharing special moments with friends, maintaining strong relationships is a core part of her life.

Katey is a compassionate and skilled dental assistant, with a strong focus on providing patients with top-notch care and comfort. She has experience working in an orthodontic and a pediatric office and has enjoyed bringing her training and knowledge in those areas of dentistry into our clinic. She has built a great amount of skill in her 8 years of dental assisting. Outside of work, Katey values time with family, especially as a parent. Whether enjoying quiet moments or socializing with close friends, she finds balance between career and personal life.

Aliz was born and raised in Vancouver. She moved out to Mission a few years ago to enjoy the beauty of what nature has to offer. Aliz was a Certified Dental Assistant for 7 years prior to transitioning to a Dental Receptionist. Being in the dental field for numerous years, She loves helping patients with their dental concerns and making that change for patients to have a better dental experience!

Aliz had recently gone through a change in lifestyle where she now focuses on wellness, mindful positivity, and health. She enjoys trail walks, hiking, swimming, basketball, and other sports. If she’s not out basking in the fresh air, or exploring around the BC interior with her family and dog, She’s passionate about cooking from farm to table.

Léa, originally from France, moved to Canada about 10 years ago and embarked on a new career in the dental field. Her top priority is to ensure that every patient feels welcomed and cared for from the moment they walk through the door. Outside of work, Léa enjoys immersing herself in nature with her dog and indulging her passion for cooking.

Georgina is an accomplished dental receptionist with extensive experience in front office operations, patient coordination, and administrative support within clinical environments. Over the course of her career, she has developed a strong proficiency in managing appointment scheduling, insurance verification and billing procedures. Recently returning to the workforce after maternity leave, she brings renewed perspective and adaptability to her role. Her transition into motherhood has further strengthened her multitasking abilities and deepened her commitment to compassionate, patient-centered service. When not in the office Georgina enjoys time with her son and family.