Dr. Anthony Peter Gerard McCullagh – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Anthony Peter Gerard McCullagh is a Dentist. Practicing at Faculty of Dentistry, UBC in Vancouver, BC, Dr. McCullagh is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. McCullagh 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. McCullagh 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. McCullagh 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 Faculty of Dentistry, UBC.

Dr. Anthony Peter Gerard McCullagh earned a Dental Degree. With over 20 years of practice since 2005, Dr. McCullagh has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. McCullagh is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. McCullagh remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, consistently delivering the highest standard of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. McCullagh's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. McCullagh provides consultations in English.

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

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• 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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• 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.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

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

• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Dedicated time to review diagnostic findings, explain recommended procedures, and collaboratively create a dental care strategy that meets your needs and goals.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• 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.

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

At Faculty of Dentistry, UBC, 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. McCullagh frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When patients discuss recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit, Dr. McCullagh outlines a path to receiving clear dental clearance before a major medical procedure, ensuring their overall health is prioritized, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably being able to focus on their passions and pursuits without the constant background noise of dental issues.
• Overcoming or effectively managing a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered is a common journey for patients under Dr. McCullagh's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease, so that daily routines and pleasures like confidently using their new smile in professional networking or client interactions become straightforward again.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces with Dr. McCullagh's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their previously dark, non-vital tooth being internally bleached or restored to a natural shade and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy enjoying a corn on the cob or biting into a crisp apple without hesitation once more.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for experiencing a persistently dry mouth (xerostomia) feeling, making it uncomfortable to speak or swallow at Dr. McCullagh's practice is consistently achieving their gums no longer bleeding during brushing, indicating healthier gum tissue. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as no longer experiencing the embarrassment or discomfort of ill-fitting or noticeable dental work.

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

Dr. McCullagh's practice, Faculty of Dentistry, UBC, is situated in the UBC Campus Proper neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Harbour Centre and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What cosmetic dentistry options might Dr. McCullagh offer to improve the appearance of my smile?

Dr. McCullagh focuses on comprehensive general dentistry for overall oral health. While many restorative procedures also have excellent aesthetic outcomes, if you have specific advanced cosmetic concerns, they can discuss basic aesthetic improvements available or provide a referral to a dentist specializing in cosmetic procedures or a prosthodontist if more advanced treatment is desired.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. McCullagh at Faculty of Dentistry, UBC?

At your initial appointment, Dr. McCullagh and the team at Faculty of Dentistry, UBC 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. McCullagh will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. McCullagh 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. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., 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 between appointments. It is crucial to follow Dr. McCullagh'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 for the general population. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered under specific circumstances. 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 individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is strongly recommended that you verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before beginning treatment at Faculty of Dentistry, UBC.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. McCullagh 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, 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 care is needed.

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 check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. McCullagh will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines such as ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Faculty of Dentistry, UBC
2199 Wesbrook Mall
Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3

Phone: (604) 822-4597

Dr. Anthony Peter Gerard McCullagh 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. McCullagh 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.