Dr. Alice Chen – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Alice Chen is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Chen is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chen is licensed by The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in BC. Dr. Chen provides a wide range of dental services for patients of all ages, including preventative care, routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal treatments (non-specialist), and basic extractions, focused on maintaining overall oral health. Dr. Chen serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at the clinic.

Dr. Alice Chen earned a Dental Degree. With over 10 years of practice since 2015, Dr. Chen has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Chen is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures Dr. Chen remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatment options available.

Key aspects of Dr. Chen's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Chen is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Mandarin.

Dr. Alice Chen provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Chen. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Chen. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific dental needs, please schedule a consultation.

All dental services by Dr. Alice Chen adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

At Dr. Alice Chen's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to achieve significant improvements in your oral health, address your specific dental concerns, and help you attain your desired smile. Dr. Chen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Chen often consults with patients whose a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation significantly limits their enjoyment of their gums feeling healthy and looking good, contributing to overall oral wellness or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their jaw feeling less stiff and more mobile after TMJ therapy or a custom oral appliance and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing their gums bleeding a little almost every time they brushed or flossed, involves working systematically towards their child sleeping soundly again after a painful toothache was resolved. Dr. Chen expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care.
• When noticing a concerning dark spot on one of their teeth, possibly a cavity starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their child participating happily in school photos and social activities, Dr. Chen and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by experiencing relief from facial pain after the dental contributions were identified and managed and a return to comfort and confidence.
• If a strong desire to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of their smile is preventing you from fully enjoying enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation or causing discomfort, Dr. Chen offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming through comprehensive and personalized dental care.

Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Chen, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Chen is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.

Dr. Chen's practice, a dental office in Vancouver, is situated in the Oakridge East, Sunset South neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Rogers Arena (nearby) and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What payment options are available at the clinic for dental services?

For your convenience, our clinic accepts various payment methods, including cash, debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, and sometimes American Express. We also work with many private dental insurance plans. Please discuss specific payment arrangements and insurance details with our administrative team prior to your treatment. Payment for services is generally expected at the time treatment is rendered.

How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Chen for a check-up and cleaning?

Generally, check-ups and cleanings are recommended every 6 months for most patients as part of preventative care. However, Dr. Chen will recommend a personalized schedule based on your (or your child's) individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Chen's specific recommendation for optimal oral health.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Chen will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Chen typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Chen is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding, if offered). Dr. Chen also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Chen at the clinic?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Chen and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Chen will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Chen?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact our clinic directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Chen.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC?

In BC, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is important to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at the clinic.

4925 Main St
Vancouver, BC, V5W 2R2

Phone: (604) 873-3963

Dr. Alice Chen is a licensed Dentist in BC, regulated by The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Chen and the team are committed to providing you with comprehensive dental care. If you have a dental emergency, please contact the clinic promptly. For after-hours emergencies that are life-threatening, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.