La Vita Dental Centre

My journey to becoming a dentist is an interesting one! I attained my BSc in Kinesiology from SFU. While I was studying I worked in various positions in offices, some of which were dental offices. Being able to see the “behind-the-scenes” action made me fall in love with dentistry and decide to pursue and obtain my DDS from UBC. Now, I am a member of British Columbia Dental Association and the Vancouver and District Dental Society.

A smile really can radiate confidence. I love that in a single visit, I can change my patients’ attitudes about themselves and, in a way, change their lives. I get to know each and every one of my patients, to make sure that I know their needs and concerns thoroughly. Having knocked out half of my front tooth at the age of 8, I understand how a minor or major defect can make a person feel self conscious: I do everything I can to create a beautiful, healthy smile.

I believe in lifelong learning. To make sure that my patients are getting the best care possible, I attend study clubs and continuing education courses to make sure that my team and I stay on top of the latest dental news, science, and technology. I love being involved in the community such as volunteering at dental clinics here and overseas! In my free time, I enjoy the beautiful BC outdoors through hiking, running and skiing. I also love traveling and experience different cultures and adventures; I even backpacked through Europe! Being a Kits resident, I can be found sitting on patios with friends throughout our amazing neighbourhood; Don’t’ hesitate to say “Hi!”

I love to travel. I love the adventure. But I know there’s something special about home. I grew up in the Vancouver area, and I’m grateful that I can spend my time paddle boarding in English Bay, hiking the North Shore, swimming at Kits Beach, or running to hot yoga. Home is a beautiful place.

I received my BSc in Microbiology at the University of Victoria, and my DDS at the University of Detroit Mercy. I was a scholarship recipient, and received the highest honours in Restorative Dentistry. I’ve been involved with research in the fields of embryology, cell and microbiology, and biomechanics.

I believe health and beauty are inherently linked and that the confidence that comes with a beautiful, healthy smile is powerful beyond measure. I want my patients to look and feel amazing so they can feel empowered to achieve their dreams. It’s what motivates me to embrace the best technology in dentistry and stay current with the newest innovations and research.

I believe in being a gentle and compassionate health care provider. That’s why I’ve spent time helping with local, national, and international dentistry services in rural and underserved communities. I’m now embracing the new adventure of taking care of a dog. He’s a labradoodle named Babar, and we are both so glad to be a part of the Kitsilano secret.

Dr. Mae Hegagi is very passionate about making her patients comfortable and greatly values the diversity of her patient family. She grew up in Ottawa, where she spent her winters skating the Rideau canal. After earning her BSc in Anatomy and Cell Biology at McGill University in 2017, she moved to Michigan for dental school at the University of Detroit Mercy. In her free time, Dr. Hegagi loves to bake and watch movies.