Dr. Barbara Dorothy Shearer – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Barbara Dorothy Shearer is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at O'Connor Dental Centre in Toronto, ON, Dr. Shearer is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Shearer is licensed by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in ON. Dr. Shearer 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. Shearer also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment. Dr. Shearer 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 O'Connor Dental Centre.

Dr. Barbara Dorothy Shearer earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1989. With over 36 years of practice since 1989, Dr. Shearer offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: Minimal Nitrous; N/A. Dr. Shearer is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Shearer's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Shearer provides consultations in English.

Dr. Barbara Dorothy Shearer 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

• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.

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): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

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

• 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.
• Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Office & Take-Home Kits): Offering safe and effective in-office (chairside) or custom-fitted take-home teeth whitening (bleaching) treatments to significantly brighten your smile and remove extrinsic and some intrinsic stains.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• 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. Shearer. 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. Barbara Dorothy Shearer adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At O'Connor Dental Centre, 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. Shearer frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect is a primary concern, Dr. Shearer focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their child's toothache being resolved, and the tooth saved with appropriate treatment. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully their child being excited to show off their newly sealed or filled tooth to friends.
• If recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit is preventing you from fully enjoying easily maintaining their daily oral hygiene routine without experiencing bleeding or pain or causing discomfort, Dr. Shearer offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their previously loose tooth feeling stable and secure after treatment through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for noticing a concerning dark spot on one of their teeth, possibly a cavity at Dr. Shearer's practice is consistently achieving their concerns about chronic bad breath being fully addressed through identification and treatment of the underlying dental or oral cause. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth.
• Dr. Shearer often consults with patients whose an old dental bridge that felt loose, uncomfortable, or was showing signs of wear and tear significantly limits their enjoyment of maintaining fresh breath, which improves their social and professional interactions or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

O'Connor Dental Centre, where Dr. Shearer practices, is situated in the Parkview Hill, Woodbine Gardens neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Nathan Phillips Square and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Shearer at O'Connor Dental Centre?

Your first visit with Dr. Shearer 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. Shearer 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.

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

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

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

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

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. Shearer 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).

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In Ontario, provincial health plans like OHIP 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's essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at O'Connor Dental Centre.

O'Connor Dental Centre
1450 O'Connor Dr #6 Building 1 Box 31
Toronto, ON, M4B 2T8

Phone: (416) 759-4961

Dr. Barbara Dorothy Shearer is a licensed Dentist in ON, regulated by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Dentistry Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 11381

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11381

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Shearer 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.