Dr. Andrew Simon Kay – Dentist | West Vancouver, BC

Dr. Andrew Simon Kay is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in West Vancouver, BC, Dr. Kay is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kay 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. Kay 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. Kay 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. Andrew Simon Kay earned a Dental Degree. With over 44 years of practice since 1981, Dr. Kay has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Kay is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Kay remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, consistently delivering the highest quality of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Kay's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Kay provides consultations in English.

Dr. Andrew Simon Kay 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

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

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

• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• 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.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.

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

At Dr. Andrew Simon Kay'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. Kay frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those affected by their partner mentioning that they snored very loudly or seemed to stop breathing momentarily during sleep (a possible sign of sleep apnea requiring a dental appliance referral), Dr. Kay provides solutions that lead to their child's newly erupted molars being protected from decay with dental sealants. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to their overall facial aesthetics being enhanced by well-planned dental and/or facial esthetic treatments.
• With Dr. Kay's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing their smile not looking as bright, white, or vibrant as it used to, prompting interest in whitening is focused on achieving a previously 'high' or uncomfortable dental filling being perfectly adjusted, restoring a comfortable and even bite. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to easily maintaining their daily oral hygiene routine without experiencing bleeding or pain without dental concerns.
• Patients presenting with needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing under Dr. Kay'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.
• Understanding the frustration their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care can cause, Dr. Kay tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their child overcoming dental anxiety and successfully completing needed dental treatment, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them.

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

Dr. Kay's practice is a dental office located in the British Properties, Sentinel Hill neighborhood of West Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Horseshoe Bay Village and is accessible via TransLink (BlueBus - operated by West Vancouver). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Kay 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. Kay 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.

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

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

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

For most adults, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Kay 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 oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is essential to follow Dr. Kay's specific recommendation.

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 by MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance plan before starting treatment.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kay is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may offer cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. General Dentists also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists when more complex needs arise.

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, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Kay 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).

J1- 925 Main Street
West Vancouver, BC, V7T 1V1

Phone: (604) 817-1539

Dr. Andrew Simon Kay 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. Kay 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.