Meet the Lawen Dentistry Team!
Our close-knit team is dedicated to your family’s dental health care. We care for our patients as if they were our own family.
Dr. T. Daniel Lawen, D.D.S.
Dr. Lawen has had a lifelong passion for dentistry. He was born and raised in Halifax. He attended Dalhousie University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and he graduated with distinction. He went on to study dentistry at Dalhousie and graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2003. He was fourth in his class. Dr. Lawen took part in the dental implant elective and received the Periodontology and Dental Biomaterials awards during his studies. After graduation, he completed his general practice residency in London, Ontario, where he focused on oral surgery and gained experience in wisdom teeth extraction.
Dr. Lawen joined Cosmo Dental Centre in London as an associate dentist before returning to Halifax when he completed his residency.
Dr. Lawen strives for excellence in dentistry. He takes pride in providing exceptional dental care for his patients and specializes in cosmetic dentistry, implantology, and Invisalign treatment. He keeps his skills current through continuing education. He has taken courses at the Kois Center, Dawson Academy, the Misch International Implant Institute, and the Hands On Institute for Dental Implants; and he is a graduate of DCM. He has taken specialized training in oral plastic surgery with Dr. Edward Allan at the Center for Advanced Dental Education, where he focused on Alloderm gum grafting; Bioclear hands-on training for cosmetic restorative procedures; and Level 1 and 2 of PTIFA training for Botulinum toxin (Botox) treatments.
He is a current member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners, the Atlantic Implant Study Club, the Canadian Dental Association, the Nova Scotia Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentists, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and the Halifax County Dental Society. Dr. Lawen has been an Invisalign provider since 2006. He was recognized as an Invisalign Platinum provider in 2019 and 2020 for excellence in Invisalign treatment. In 2021, Dr. Lawen was recognized as an Invisalign Diamond provider, which is Invisalign’s highest recognition and is only awarded to the top 1% of Invisalign providers.
Dr. Lawen follows an active lifestyle outside work and loves travel, cycling, basketball, and other sports. He is married to Olivia and they are the proud parents of four boys - Lukas, Logan, Lyon, and Levi. He enjoys spending time with his family.
Dr. Saud Kottapalli, D.D.S.
Dr. Kottapalli studied at Dalhousie University, where he received a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Dental Surgery. He received the International College of Dentists Award for the best combination of academic performance, personal character, and participation in extracurricular activities.
An empathetic doctor who puts his patients’ needs first, Dr. Kottapalli is trained in all aspects of restorative, surgical, endodontic, and prosthetic dentistry. He always seeks to expand his skills through continuing education and is a certified Invisalign provider. Dr. Kottapalli speaks English, Urdu, Hindi, and Arabic and loves to connect with patients from all backgrounds.
Outside work, Dr. Kottapalli is an avid football fan and supporter of Arsenal FC. He has seen them play in London, England, and watched them get demolished by the best team in the world in Barcelona. An avid traveler, he hasn’t been on a trip he didn’t enjoy. His other interests include anything sports: he loves baseball and the Blue Jays, basketball and the Raptors, biking, snowboarding, tennis, golf, and squash.
Dr. Sara Aly, D.D.S.
Dr. Sara Aly studied Microbiology & Immunology, followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at Dalhousie University.
Dr. Aly enjoys the many aspects of general dentistry, but has particular interest in restorative dentistry, fixed prosthodontics, and endodontics. Her work ethic and desire for continuing education allows her to always provide the best care to her patients. She strives to make patients feel comfortable by being an active listener and understanding her patient’s needs.
Dr. Aly is originally from Egypt but was raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She speaks English and Arabic.
In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, biking, baking, traveling and spending time with family & friends.
Dental Hygienists
Our dental hygienists are highly qualified and experienced. They’re committed to helping their patients enjoy healthy, happy smiles through oral hygiene and dental health education.
Lori Dental Hygienist
Leslie-Anne Dental Hygienist
SylviaDental Hygienist
Terra Dental Hygienist
Hailee Dental Hygienist
Dental Assistants
Our dental assistants work closely with our dentists during treatment. They are responsible for preparing instruments, making sure patients are comfortable, and educating patients on their dental care.
Anna Dental Assistant
JessicaDental Assistant
LilyDental Assistant
Office Team
Our office team is the group of friendly people you meet when you come into our office. They help with treatment plans, payments, booking, and insurance coverage. Don’t hesitate to ask them for help if you need anything in our office!