Dr. Bernard Verne McShane

Dr. Bernard Verne McShane 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): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• 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.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

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

• 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.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• 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.

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

At Dr. Bernard Verne McShane'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. McShane frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• With Dr. McShane's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a noticeable gap between their front teeth that they had always wished to close is focused on achieving their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to their gums feeling healthy and looking good, contributing to overall oral wellness without dental concerns.
• Effectively addressing concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history with Dr. McShane'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 enjoying romantic moments without self-consciousness about their breath or smile and social interactions.
• When persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. McShane helps patients strive for feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques. This makes participating in activities such as their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. McShane with concerns about wanting to explore options to replace a missing tooth with a permanent solution like a dental implant. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment, making a positive and lasting return to their child being able to eat nutritious crunchy fruits and vegetables without discomfort not just possible, but highly feasible.

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

Dr. McShane's practice, a dental office in Qualicum Beach, is situated in a central location within the Qualicum Beach neighborhood of Qualicum Beach. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. McShane will personalize your schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, those managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities might need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. McShane's specific recommendations.

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

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

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 only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. McShane will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the principle of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

A General Dentist like Dr. McShane 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 (like whitening or bonding). They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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

At your first appointment, Dr. McShane and the team will get to know you and your oral health history. You'll fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental concerns or goals, and undergo a thorough examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. McShane will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

What is the process for becoming a new patient at our clinic with Dr. McShane?

We welcome new patients! To become a new patient with Dr. McShane, please call our office at (250) 752-6397. Our team will gather some basic information and schedule your first appointment, which is typically a comprehensive examination and consultation. Please be prepared to provide your medical history and any dental insurance information you may have. We look forward to meeting you!

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

In British Columbia, the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically does 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. 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 groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Always check your private dental insurance coverage and any potential public coverage you may be eligible for before your treatment.

167 Fern Road W.
Qualicum Beach, BC, V9K 1S4

Phone: (250) 752-6397

Dr. Bernard Verne McShane 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. McShane 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.