Meet the Lawen Dentistry Team!

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 partner, 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 three boys - Lukas, Logan, and Lyon. He enjoys spending time with his family.

Dr. Christo Migas, D.D.S.

Dr. Migas attended the Dalhousie School of Dentistry, where he graduated in 1988 and received numerous honours for academic excellence. He practices general dentistry and has training in oral medicine. He continues to expand on his oral medicine research focusing on helping bone marrow transplant patients. Dr. Migas established a treatment protocol in the cancer unit at North Carolina Hospital.

Dr. Migas has worked in four dental practices, and he is an active member of the Nova Scotia Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association.

Dr. Sara Hunter, D.D.S.

Dr. Hunter grew up in Cole Harbour and Windsor. She graduated from Dalhousie Dental School in 2000. She has managed dental practices in Ottawa and Saint John. In Saint John, she was voted the second-best dentist in the city.

Her dental expertise includes root canal treatment, crowns, and bridgework. She loves interacting with her patients and believes that good communication is the root of good dentistry.

Dr. Hunter is married with two children. She loves to spend time with her family and keeps herself busy skiing, running, and playing hockey.

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. Haya Zora, D.D.S.

Dr. Zora is a certified Prosthodontist. Her advanced training and experience allow her to treat complex cases of restorative and cosmetic dentistry and dental implant treatment.

She earned her degree in Dentistry from Kuwait University in 2005 and then went to the University of Florida, where she attended a postgraduate program in prosthodontics. In 2011, she earned a Master of Science degree in dentistry and a certificate in Prosthodontics.

Outside work, Dr. Zora enjoys spending time with friends and family. She and her husband share a passion for diving and have established a non-profit dive shop together in Halifax.

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.