Dr. Caitlin Bennett Burkart Pointer – Dentist | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Caitlin Bennett Burkart Pointer is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Kelowna, BC, Dr. Pointer is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Pointer 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. Pointer 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. Pointer 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 the clinic.

Dr. Caitlin Bennett Burkart Pointer earned a Dental Degree. With over 3 years of practice since 2022, Dr. Pointer has gained valuable clinical experience. Dr. Pointer is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Pointer remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, consistently delivering the highest quality of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Pointer's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Pointer provides consultations in English.

Dr. Caitlin Bennett Burkart Pointer 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

• 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): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

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

• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).

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

At Dr. Caitlin Bennett Burkart Pointer'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. Pointer frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Pointer to see patients who were troubled by concerns about grinding their teeth so forcefully or frequently that their jaw muscles ached or they experienced morning headaches successfully achieve their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care.
• If a tooth that suddenly became extremely and uncharacteristically sensitive to cold water or air, causing sharp pain is preventing you from fully enjoying waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding or causing discomfort, Dr. Pointer offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their child receiving necessary specialized dental care thanks to a timely referral through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a desire to explore more permanent or stable options for replacing all of their missing teeth effectively, Dr. Pointer offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their old, failing crown being replaced with a new, perfectly fitting, and aesthetic restoration. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of actively engaging in conversations without being preoccupied by a dental concern.
• When their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures, Dr. Pointer and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies and a return to comfort and confidence.

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

Dr. Pointer's practice is a dental office located in the Glenmore, North Kelowna neighborhood of Kelowna. The clinic is conveniently located near Rutland Centennial Park and is accessible via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near 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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Pointer 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC?

In BC, provincial health plans (like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC) 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). Always verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

I experience jaw pain, clicking, and headaches. Can Dr. Pointer help with TMJ/TMD issues?

Dr. Pointer can perform an initial assessment of your jaw pain and related symptoms. Depending on the findings and complexity, they may offer some conservative management advice or provide a referral to a dentist or specialist with advanced training in TMJ disorders if more specialized care is indicated.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Pointer 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. Pointer for a check-up and cleaning?

Generally, every 6 months for preventative care. Dr. Pointer 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. Pointer's specific recommendation.

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

At your initial appointment, expect a medical history form, discussion of dental issues/goals, a detailed examination, and potentially digital X-rays. Dr. Pointer will explain their assessment and recommended treatments. Ask questions!

What are the most effective ways to prevent cavities (tooth decay)?

Maintain excellent oral hygiene (brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily), eat a balanced diet (limiting sugary and acidic foods/drinks), and have regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings. Dr. Pointer may also recommend sealants or fluoride treatments.

105-1972 Kane Road
Kelowna, BC, V1V 3C4

Phone: (778) 484-2273

Dr. Caitlin Bennett Burkart Pointer 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. Pointer 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.