Dr. Allan Murray Dickens – Dentist | Williams Lake, BC

Dr. Allan Murray Dickens is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Williams Lake, BC, Dr. Dickens is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Dickens 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. Dickens 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. Dickens 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. Allan Murray Dickens earned a Dental Degree. With over 36 years of practice since 1989, Dr. Dickens has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Dickens is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available, reflecting Dr. Dickens's dedication to professional excellence and the well-being of their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Dickens's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Dickens provides consultations in English.

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.

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

• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Dickens. 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. Allan Murray Dickens adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

At Dr. Allan Murray Dickens'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. Dickens frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For individuals troubled by their child frequently complaining of a sore tooth or dental discomfort, Dr. Dickens's approach is focused on delivering successfully replacing their missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking dental implant. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like showing off a brighter, more youthful smile after cosmetic treatments with a healthier smile.
• Overcoming or effectively managing their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence is a common journey for patients under Dr. Dickens's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their problematic wisdom tooth being removed, alleviating pain and preventing future issues, so that daily routines and pleasures like their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain become straightforward again.
• Effectively addressing wanting to understand what was causing their teeth to appear worn down, shorter, or a bit translucent with Dr. Dickens's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them and social interactions.
• With Dr. Dickens's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing their dentures frequently rubbing, causing persistent sore spots, or making it difficult to eat comfortably is focused on achieving their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation without dental concerns.

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

Dr. Dickens's practice, a dental office in Williams Lake, is situated in a central location within the Williams Lake neighborhood of Williams Lake. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

In British Columbia, provincial health plans such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do <strong>not</strong> cover routine or major dental procedures provided in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed within a hospital setting might be covered by MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or via government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors receiving specific benefits, or social assistance recipients). It is crucial to check your eligibility for any public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-pays, deductibles, and annual maximums) before beginning treatment.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Dickens will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes a review of your medical and dental history, a thorough check of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including an oral cancer screening), and any necessary X-rays. Dr. Dickens will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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 used to further minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Dickens 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. Dickens typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Dickens 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 treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may include cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Dickens will personalize this schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions (e.g., more frequent visits may be needed for those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk). Always follow Dr. Dickens's specific recommendations.

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

No, a referral is typically not needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. You can contact the clinic directly to arrange your visit with Dr. Dickens.

440 Comer St
Williams Lake, BC, V2G 1T7

Phone: (250) 398-3384

Dr. Allan Murray Dickens 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. Dickens 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.