Dr. Betsabe Behkish – Dentist | Nanaimo, BC

Dr. Betsabe Behkish is a Dentist. Practicing at Seaside Smile Clinic in Nanaimo, BC, Dr. Behkish is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Behkish 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. Behkish 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. Behkish 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 Seaside Smile Clinic.

Dr. Betsabe Behkish earned a Dental Degree. With over 9 years of practice since 2016, Dr. Behkish has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Behkish is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available, reflecting Dr. Behkish's ongoing pursuit of excellence in the field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Behkish's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; 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. Dr. Behkish is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Iranian.

Dr. Betsabe Behkish 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): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• 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.

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

• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Repairing cavities and minor tooth defects with durable, natural-looking composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.
• 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 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. Behkish. 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. Betsabe Behkish adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

At Seaside Smile Clinic, 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. Behkish frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Behkish understands that dealing with their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving their new partial or full denture feeling exceptionally stable, comfortable, and looking completely natural, helping patients comfortably get back to feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day and feeling their best.
• When patients discuss a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces, Dr. Behkish outlines a path to their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle.
• Through Dr. Behkish's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from needing practical advice and guidance on how to properly care for their toddler's newly erupted first teeth often find they can readily achieve receiving a new, well-fitting set of dentures that dramatically improved their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like their children being able to enjoy treats in moderation without an excessive fear of immediate cavities due to good preventative care.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Behkish with concerns about a dental issue, such as misaligned or discolored teeth, that was significantly affecting their confidence to smile openly and interact socially. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their lost tooth being promptly replaced, preventing undesirable shifting of adjacent teeth and maintaining smile aesthetics, making a positive and lasting return to their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain not just possible, but highly feasible.

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

Seaside Smile Clinic, where Dr. Behkish practices, is situated in the South Nanaimo, University District neighborhood of Nanaimo. The clinic is conveniently located near Nanaimo Museum and is accessible via Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Behkish at Seaside Smile Clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Behkish 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. Behkish 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.

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 radiation exposure. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Behkish 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).

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Behkish 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 is important to follow Dr. Behkish's specific recommendation.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Behkish is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include 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 cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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

In BC, 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 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). Always verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

Dr. Behkish 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. Behkish?

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

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of Seaside Smile Clinic's regular office hours?

For life-threatening emergencies (severe bleeding, difficulty breathing due to swelling, significant facial trauma), go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911. For urgent, non-life-threatening issues (severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, abscess with swelling, broken tooth causing sharp pain), call Seaside Smile Clinic at (250) 753-6512. Our voicemail may provide instructions for emergency contact or direct you to an emergency dental service.

Seaside Smile Clinic
105 Richards St
Nanaimo, BC, V9R 2S7

Phone: (250) 753-6512

Dr. Betsabe Behkish 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. Behkish 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.