He was one of the first general practice dentists in Charlotte trained to prescribe the INVISALIGN clear tray orthodontic system. Having trained extensively in straight-wire, tip-edge and functional appliance orthodontic techniques, he is a member of the American Orthodontic Society, the American Academy of GP Orthodontics and the International Association of Orthodontics. In addition, he is also a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Charlotte Dental Society, and the North Carolina Dental Society. A former college athlete, Dr. Van Lanen is married with two children and enjoys golf and playing music in rock and country bands and watching Joey Logano win races.