Dr. Allen Ming Hung Shen – Dentist | Coquitlam, BC

Dr. Allen Ming Hung Shen is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Coquitlam, BC, Dr. Shen is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Shen 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. Shen 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. Shen 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. Allen Ming Hung Shen earned a Dental Degree. With over 31 years of practice since 1994, Dr. Shen has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Shen is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the benefit of the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques, reflecting Dr. Shen's ongoing pursuit of professional excellence and a dedication to providing the highest quality of care.

Key aspects of Dr. Shen's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Shen is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Mandarin and Taiwanese.

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

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• 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): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.

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: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

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

• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• 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.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.

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

At Dr. Allen Ming Hung Shen'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. Shen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Effectively addressing noticing their gums seemed to be receding or pulling away from their teeth, making teeth look longer with Dr. Shen's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly and social interactions.
• The journey from wanting to know if professional teeth whitening procedures would be safe and effective for their specific situation to wellness often involves Dr. Shen's dedicated care. The milestone is gaining peace of mind about their family's hereditary dental risks through informed discussion, which opens the door back to activities such as showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion.
• Patients presenting with a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs under Dr. Shen's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume their children developing positive, lifelong habits for good oral health without the former limitations or discomfort.
• When their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Shen helps patients strive for feeling significantly more relaxed and calm during dental visits due to effective anxiety management strategies or sedation. This makes participating in activities such as easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums a pleasant and possible experience again.

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

Dr. Shen's practice is a dental office in Coquitlam, situated in the Burke Mountain, Westwood Plateau neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Millennium Line, West Coast Express, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Shen will recommend a personalized schedule based on your 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's crucial to follow Dr. Shen's specific recommendation for optimal oral health.

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

In British Columbia, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered under specific circumstances. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is essential to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Shen for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with the clinic.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Shen will involve a comprehensive dental examination, including 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. Shen will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed during this visit or scheduled for a subsequent appointment.

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Shen 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. Shen typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Shen provides primary dental care for all ages, offering services such as 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 potentially cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). Dr. Shen also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

C5-1410 Parkway Blvd
Coquitlam, BC, V3E 3J7

Phone: (604) 927-2525

Dr. Allen Ming Hung Shen 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. Shen 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.