Dentist Profile

Dr. Vanek cites his interesting life experiences and background for all his academic and business achievements. His parents are both Czech and immigrated from Prague in the 60's. Dr. Vanek was born and raised in California. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in the Geological Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara; where he studied Antarctic Geophysics under the director of the Institute for Crustal Studies.

Working in the realm of Oceanographic and Geophysical Science offered Dr. Vanek a lot of travel opportunities throughout the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. His travels included research trips to remote areas of Alaska and Antarctica funded by the National Science Foundation [NSF], a medical/dental mission to Uspantan, Guatemala funded by Helps International, and subsequent travels to New Zealand, Fiji, Chile, and Costa Rica. He also received first place in the Society for Technical Communication writing competition for his article: "Remote Sensing Techniques for the Analysis of Antarctic Ice."

Following his work as an Oceanographic Researcher, Dr. Vanek completed his dental education at Creighton University, School of Dentistry. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, and founded in 1905, the dental school exists as one of the oldest in the country. Through his dental education (and while working as a dental assistant, laboratory technician, & digital videographer), he received experience in many areas of specialized dentistry. He hopes that in understanding the aims of these special areas of dentistry that he can better communicate each treatment option to his patients. In addition to his clinical work, he also devotes time for philanthropic activities to serve those who need special attention (at locations like the Hillside House) and The Sheepfold (Sheltering Homeless Women and Children). Dr. Vanek is a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association and the Orange County Dental Society.

Dr. Vanek likes to spend the majority of his free time in and around the ocean. Besides watersports like kiteboarding, he also enjoys artistic pursuits such as photography, ceramics, mechanical and architectural design.