Let’s face it, for most people, going to the dentist ranks somewhere between doing your taxes and waiting in line at Access Nova Scotia. But the good news is, dentistry is evolving. Many modern clinics, like Lawen Dentistry, are finding new ways to minimize pain, reduce anxiety, and make the whole process less “white-knuckle survival” and more “routine self-care.”
Lawen Dentistry has been part of the Halifax community for 18 years, with its original clinic on Spring Garden Road and a second, recently-opened location on Mumford Road. From the beginning they set out to offer their patients an experience that’s relaxing and easy.
“We’ve always tried to approach patient care the way we’d want to be treated ourselves,” says Dr. Danny Lawen, founder of the practice.
So what does that look like in practice? Two big things: creating a genuinely welcoming environment, and embracing new technology that makes the entire experience easier, faster, and more comfortable.
Both Lawen Dentistry locations feel more like cozy lounges than cold clinical spaces. There are comfy, adjustable chairs in every exam room, TVs mounted overhead (so you can watch while they work), and even a coffee bar in the reception area. The whole team, from receptionists to hygienists to dentists, goes out of their way to make people feel welcome, seen, and understood.
“We treat every patient like family,” says Dr. Lawen. “People are often nervous when they walk through the door. We see it as our job to meet them with warmth and help them feel at ease.”
But perhaps even more transformative is the technology they use. Gone are the days of gag-inducing impression trays. Lawen Dentistry uses digital scanning, which captures precise 3D images of your teeth without the mess. It’s faster, more accurate, and infinitely more comfortable. They’ve also replaced much of the old-school tooth scraping with ultrasonic cleaning. Using sound waves, it’s a gentler, quieter way to clean around the gumline. And for patients with deep-seated dental anxiety, gentle sedation is available, allowing them to relax through more involved procedures.
But it’s not all about fancy gear or creature comforts. Lawen Dentistry’s investment in patient experience is deeply rooted in its community values.
“We’ve been part of this city for a long time, and we feel a real responsibility to the people who trust us with their care,” says Dr. Lawen. “It’s about building relationships, not just filling cavities.”
It’s this human-first, locally-grounded philosophy that keeps longtime patients coming back—and brings in plenty of new ones by word of mouth.
So yes, you still have to go to the dentist. But at the right clinic, it doesn’t have to be stressful, scary, or something you put off for another six months (or let’s be honest, six years). If you’re ready for a more comfortable kind of dental care, check out Lawen Dentistry at ourdentist.ca. Because taking care of your teeth shouldn’t be a traumatic experience. In fact, it can be…kind of nice.
This article appears in Jul 1-31, 2025.