Dr. Bonnie Ho-Ming So – Dentist | Whitby, ON

Dr. Bonnie Ho-Ming So is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at S K Dental Care in Whitby, ON, Dr. So is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. So 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. So 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. So 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. So 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 S K Dental Care.

Dr. Bonnie Ho-Ming So earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1997. With over 28 years of practice since 1997, Dr. So 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: N/A. Dr. So is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. So's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. So provides consultations in English.

Dr. Bonnie Ho-Ming So provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Tooth Decay Cavities

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

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Experiencing a hyperactive or severe gag reflex that significantly interferes with routine dental examinations, X-rays, impressions, or treatments.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

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

• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• 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.
• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): Comprehensive aesthetic assessment and collaborative planning of multiple cosmetic dental procedures (e.g., whitening, veneers, bonding, crowns, gum contouring) to achieve a desired, harmonious, and transformative smile outcome.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): A commonly used sedation option for patients with moderate dental fear or anxiety, allowing them to remain conscious and able to respond to verbal cues but feel deeply relaxed and often have little memory of the procedure.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. So. 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. Bonnie Ho-Ming So adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At S K Dental Care, 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. So frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them, Dr. So and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their smile looking its absolute best for an important upcoming wedding, graduation, or other special event and a return to comfort and confidence.
• Dr. So expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development, means they can happily and comfortably get back to their smile reflecting their inner happiness and confidence.
• If a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. So develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their problematic wisdom tooth being removed, alleviating pain and preventing future issues. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. So about their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence is to attain the bump or swelling on their gums being diagnosed and appropriately treated, resolving their worry. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped.

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

S K Dental Care, where Dr. So practices, is situated in the Rolling Acres, Pringle Creek neighborhood of Whitby. The clinic is conveniently located near Lakeridge Health Whitby and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. So offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. So understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, S K Dental Care may offer various sedation options. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. So during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. So at S K Dental Care?

At your initial appointment, Dr. So and the team at S K Dental Care 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. So will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

Does S K Dental Care offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact S K Dental Care directly to arrange their visit with Dr. So.

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). Always check your private dental insurance details and verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for before starting treatment.

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. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. So 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).

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

A General Dentist like Dr. So is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including: 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 educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care is recommended for most patients. Dr. So will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). Follow Dr. So's specific recommendation.

S K Dental Care
20 Broadleaf Ave #106
Whitby, ON, L1R 0B5

Phone: (905) 718-3900

Dr. Bonnie Ho-Ming So 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: 13477

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=13477

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