Dr. Gurjit Gakhal d.d.s

Dr. Gurjit Gakhal graduated in 1997 from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science Honors in Biochemistry. He went on at UBC to graduate from Dentistry in the top 10% of his class. He’s a strong believer in updating and extending his knowledge base and he frequently takes continuing education courses to help make him the optimal dentist. He is a member of the Canadian Dental Association, the BC Dental Association, the Saanich RV Tucker study club, and he’s a fellow with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Dr. Gakhal has completed several courses at the KOIS Centre, a leading edge dental education institution focused on current science and research in dentistry. He recently completed the Master Clinician Implant Program with the Global Institute for Dental Education.

Dr. Gakhal practiced in Burns Lake for two years before settling in Victoria. He has volunteered in Guatemala providing dental services to people who otherwise wouldn’t have access to dental care. He has also worked in Northern Manitoba and at the Cool-Aid clinic providing service to disadvantaged communities. Consequently he is experienced in and provides a broad range of dental services. Along with general dentistry he also places implants and can provide IV sedation.

Dr. Gakhal is married and has two beautiful girls, who are the apples of his eye. He also shares his home with a young cat named Lucas and two geckos. He enjoys trap-shooting, and you can find him most weekends at one of the Island ranges.

Dr. Kevin Lathangued.d.s

Dr. Kevin Lathangue graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2004 with a Doctorate of Medical Dentistry (DMD). He has since developed several innovative strategies with specialists who currently work with Blue Ocean Dental Group including periodontist Dr. Tassos Irinakis and Mr. Mark O'neill - a certified CEREC Technician and cosmetic expert. Dr. Lathangue has also integrated a denture specialist in order to serve both our denture patients and our implants patients. Jim, our denture specialist, has over 45 years experience as a denturist.

In addition to dentistry, Dr. Lathangue has a keen interest in developing his current business model and, as a result, has opened several other practices on Vancouver Island in order to facilitate his "all specialists under one roof" business model. Needless to say, this model has been very well received by communities that would otherwise go without this caliber of specialists and service

Dr. Lathangue has continued his education by attending the University of Alberta where he acquired his Intravenous Sedation (IV) certification, which he incorporated into his practice model as one of the many specialties. Dr. Lathangue performs several varieties of minor oral surgery, including wisdom tooth removal and implant placement. He is an avid learner and has taken many courses from the renowned Dr. John Kois. In addition, he recently completed a yearlong implant course taught by Dr. Sascha Jovanovic in Santa Monica, CA.

When Dr. Lathangue is not engaged in the pursuit of dentistry, he likes to spend as much time as possible with his three wonderful children Kasey, Travis, and Kaya. Finally, Dr. Lathangue is a dedicated weight trainer who once held a junior world record as well as three Canadian records - he still finds time to weight train and compete in bodybuilding competitions.

Dr. Tara Mehtad.d.s

Dr. Tara Mehta is a West Coast native, hailing from the Bay Area, California. She spent the last 3 years living and working in the beautiful Comox Valley but clearly missed the big city life!

Dr. Mehta’s interest in healthcare started in 2012 with the completion of her Bachelor of Science degree in Cognitive Neuroscience at McGill University. She went on to obtain a Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Sydney, where she learned to appreciate dentistry’s unique integration of medicine, patient care, and artistry.

Dr. Mehta understands that dental treatment can seem complicated and daunting; her main goal is to ensure that each visit to the dentist is comfortable and informative, so patients can always make educated decisions about their health.

Come in for a visit with Dr. Mehta, and while she’s checking out your mouth, maybe she’ll tell you about the time she was kidnapped by a runaway Icelandic horse!

Dr. Shekhar Gill-Uppald.d.s

I'm Dr. Shekhar Gill-Uppal, a dedicated general dentist based in beautiful Victoria, BC, where I was born and raised. With a passion for oral health and patient care, I bring my love for all aspects of dentistry to every smile I serve.

Education has been a cornerstone of my journey. I hold four degrees including a Bachelor's from the University of Victoria, a Bachelor's from Carleton University, a Master's in Biomedical Science from Barry University, and a Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University, both in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Beyond dentistry, I cherish exploring the stunning outdoors of Vancouver Island. Whether hiking scenic trails or teeing off on local golf courses, I find joy in the island's natural beauty. Growing up playing competitive soccer has instilled in me a love for teamwork and dedication, values I bring to my practice every day.

Family is at the heart of my life. My wife, also a native Victorian and a fellow dentist, shares my passion for our community's oral health. Together, with our beloved dog Roo, we embrace the island lifestyle and its warm, welcoming community.

I grew up in the West Shore, just minutes from this clinic, and am deeply connected to the community. At our practice, you'll find a commitment to compassionate care and clinical excellence. I look forward to welcoming you to our dental family, where your comfort and well-being are always our priority.