Gaurav “Vik” Vij and his family have built a personal and professional life in North County. Originally from Chandigarh, a picturesque town in the North of India, Vik moved to the United States in 2004.
After earning a master’s degree in engineering from Wayne State University and an MBA in finance and strategy from the University of Michigan, he entered the biotech industry and later founded his own business advisory firm.
He and his wife, board-certified periodontist Dr. Kanika Bembey, DDS MS, also own a local business, Encinitas Periodontics & Dental Implants.
They relocated from the Bay area to San Diego during the COVID-19 pandemic with their 8-year-old son and Vik’s father. While they had lived in various parts of the country, they had always felt a strong pull toward Southern California.
“We loved the culture, the weather, and the access to beaches,” Vik explains. “The affordability of the area compared to the Bay Area and its immigrant-friendly nature made Encinitas and Carlsbad the perfect places to live and run a business. It’s just relaxing here and has a small town feeling to it.”
Encinitas Periodontics & Dental Implants reflects their commitment to the area. The clinic specializes in dental implants, gum disease treatments, dental hygiene and general periodontal care. It has earned a great reputation, with hundreds of positive reviews and accolades, including “Best Oral Surgeon” and “Best Practice” awards for 2023 and 2024.
“We enjoy providing services in our local community.”
The clinic also is committed to sustainability and is a California green-certified business, reducing plastic waste and using eco-friendly products in their daily operations. This certification not only helps reduce operational costs but also underscores the Vijs’ dedication to protecting the environment.
Vik’s active involvement with the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce allows him to contribute further to the community that has supported his family’s business. He serves on the Membership Committee and uses his corporate expertise to help local businesses thrive, strengthen the Chamber, and support the local economy.
“Being a member of the Chamber helps me network and stay more educated and informed of local activities.”
Perfect day in Encinitas? “Start with coffee and breakfast at a local café with family, stroll through downtown, then spend the rest of the day at the beach, enjoying the water with my son.”
