Dr. Clive Ian Bethel

Dr. Clive Ian Bethel 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

• 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.

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): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.

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

• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• 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.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.

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

At Dr. Clive Ian Bethel'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. Bethel frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Bethel understands that dealing with their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving a suspicious white or red patch in their mouth being diagnosed early, leading to effective management, helping patients comfortably get back to their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth and feeling their best.
• Managing experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Bethel and the dental team. The clear aim is always their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying their dental implants feeling and functioning just like their natural teeth and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• Dr. Bethel often consults with patients whose an old dental crown that needed to be replaced because it was visibly worn, chipped, poorly fitting, or had decay underneath significantly limits their enjoyment of experiencing the simple joy of a pain-free mouth every day or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve a previously 'high' or uncomfortable dental filling being perfectly adjusted, restoring a comfortable and even bite and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Through Dr. Bethel's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from their teeth appearing noticeably longer than before, often a sign of progressive gum recession often find they can readily achieve their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like their smile being ready for any impromptu photo opportunity or social media post.

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

Dr. Bethel's practice, a dental office in Vancouver, is situated in the Oakridge East, Sunset South neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Financial District and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Bethel and the team at the clinic 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. Bethel will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

In British Columbia, the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan, or MSP) typically does <strong>not</strong> cover routine dental care or most major dental procedures in private dental clinics for the general population. Some limited dental surgeries performed within a hospital setting <em>might</em> be covered by MSP. Most dental costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance (often provided by employers), or via government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., low-income families with children, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to carefully review your private dental insurance policy's details (coverage, co-pays, deductibles, annual maximums) before treatment.

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

Cavity prevention relies on consistent home care and regular professional support from Dr. Bethel. This includes brushing for two minutes twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing to clean between teeth, minimizing consumption of sugary snacks and beverages, and attending routine dental exams and cleanings at our clinic. For extra defense, especially in children, Dr. Bethel might suggest dental sealants or in-office fluoride applications.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Bethel will personalize your schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors (for cavities or gum disease), and any existing conditions. Some patients (e.g., those managing gum disease or at high risk for cavities) may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Bethel's specific recommendations.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays that use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used. X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Bethel will determine the appropriate frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines such as ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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, a referral from your general dentist, like Dr. Bethel, is often recommended or required by the specialist or your insurance plan. A referral ensures the specialist has the necessary background information and that the consultation is appropriate. If Dr. Bethel determines you need specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated and seamless care. Always check with the specialist's office or your insurance provider if unsure about referral requirements.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Bethel is your primary dental care provider for 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 potentially cosmetic procedures (e.g., whitening, bonding). They also provide oral hygiene education and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

5490 Fraser St
Vancouver, BC, V5W 2Z2

Phone: (604) 259-1659

Dr. Clive Ian Bethel 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. Bethel 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.