Dr. Charlene Nicole Walker – Dentist | Brampton, ON

Dr. Charlene Nicole Walker is a Pediatric Dentist. Practicing at Smirks and Smiles Kids Dentistry in Brampton, ON, Dr. Walker is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Walker 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. As a certified specialist in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Walker provides comprehensive and specialized preventative and therapeutic oral health care exclusively for infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs. This includes behavior guidance, sedation, and treatment of early childhood caries and developmental dental issues. Dr. Walker 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 Smirks and Smiles Kids Dentistry.

Dr. Charlene Nicole Walker earned a Dental Degree from Meharry Medical College, graduating in 2008. This was followed by specialized training in advanced specialty training in Paediatric Dentist at the Miami Children's Hospital in 2012. With over 17 years of practice since 2008, Dr. Walker's expertise has grown significantly. Additionally, this specialist holds certifications/authorizations for: Oral Moderate Sedation. Dr. Walker is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Walker's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Walker provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Charlene Nicole Walker addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.

Dental Development Issues

• Anomalies or Delays in Tooth Development or Eruption Sequence: Seeking specialist pediatric dental or orthodontic assessment for irregularities in normal dental development and tooth eruption patterns.

Dental Trauma Children

• Traumatic Injuries to Primary or Young Permanent Teeth in Children: Specialized pediatric management of traumatic dental injuries, including splinting, pulp therapy, and aesthetic repairs, tailored to the child's age and dental development.

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

• Comprehensive Oral Health Care for Infants, Children & Adolescents: Providing specialized, age-appropriate dental care from infancy through adolescence, including examinations, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, and fillings.
• Pediatric Sedation Dentistry (Nitrous Oxide, Oral Sedation, IV Sedation, General Anesthesia - Specialist Setting): Offering various levels of sedation, including nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia (often in a hospital or specialized surgical setting), administered by or in conjunction with a pediatric dental specialist or dental anesthesiologist, to facilitate comprehensive dental care for very young, extremely anxious, or special needs children who cannot cooperate for treatment with local anesthesia alone.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• 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. Walker. 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. Charlene Nicole Walker adhere to scope of practice for Pediatric Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Walker is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Smirks and Smiles Kids Dentistry, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• If their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Walker develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at finding a dental team that understands and effectively manages their dental nervousness. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness.
• Patients presenting with an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option under Dr. Walker's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume sleeping peacefully without the interruption of dental pain or discomfort from oral appliances without the former limitations or discomfort.
• A key objective when treating looking for a new family dentist who could provide comprehensive care for all members of their family, from children to adults at Dr. Walker's welcoming dental clinic is achieving experiencing relief from facial pain after the dental contributions were identified and managed. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain.
• Effectively addressing a tooth that had become very dark or discolored, perhaps after a past injury or previous root canal treatment with Dr. Walker's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in their dentures allowing them to enjoy a more diverse and nutritious diet and social interactions.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Walker, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Walker is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

Smirks and Smiles Kids Dentistry, where Dr. Walker practices, is situated in the Bramalea South, Avondale neighborhood of Brampton. The clinic is conveniently located near Brampton City Hall and is accessible via Brampton Transit (including Züm BRT). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans to have a referral from a general dentist like Dr. Walker. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Walker identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. If unsure, check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance provider.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Walker will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Walker's specific recommendation.

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

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

How does Dr. Walker as a Pediatric Dentist manage children with dental anxiety or special healthcare needs?

Dr. Walker utilizes specialized training in behavior guidance techniques such as tell-show-do, positive reinforcement, and distraction. The clinic creates a child-friendly environment. Dr. Walker has experience with patients with various needs and may offer nitrous oxide or refer for deeper sedation/general anesthesia if appropriate and available. A patient and gentle approach is always emphasized.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Walker at Smirks and Smiles Kids Dentistry?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination, including 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. Walker will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed or scheduled.

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. Walker will determine the frequency based on your individual needs, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

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. Some specific dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance, or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

Smirks and Smiles Kids Dentistry
15 Beaumaris Dr #2
Brampton, ON, L6T 0J3

Dr. Charlene Nicole Walker is a licensed Pediatric 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: 77265

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=77265

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