Dr. David Dale Rushka – Dentist | Kamloops, BC

Dr. David Dale Rushka is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Kamloops, BC, Dr. Rushka is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Rushka 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. Rushka 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. Rushka 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. David Dale Rushka earned a Dental Degree. With over 27 years of practice since 1998, Dr. Rushka has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Rushka is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Rushka's unwavering dedication to providing exceptional dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Rushka's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Rushka provides consultations in English.

Dr. David Dale Rushka 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): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

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

• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.

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

At Dr. David Dale Rushka'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. Rushka frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A key objective when treating a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces at Dr. Rushka's welcoming dental clinic is achieving a noticeable improvement or elimination of persistent bad taste in their mouth. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile.
• When looking for a new family dentist who could provide comprehensive care for all members of their family, from children to adults starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion, Dr. Rushka and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by finding a dental team that understands and effectively manages their dental nervousness and a return to comfort and confidence.
• If a desire to explore more permanent or stable options for replacing all of their missing teeth effectively is preventing you from fully enjoying their overall facial aesthetics being enhanced by well-planned dental and/or facial esthetic treatments or causing discomfort, Dr. Rushka offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• If an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention has unfortunately put maintaining a youthful appearance complemented by a healthy and attractive smile on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Rushka works closely with patients towards attaining the gap between their front teeth being attractively closed, boosting their confidence, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.

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

Dr. Rushka's practice is a dental office located in the Downtown Kamloops, South Shore East (Valleyview) neighborhood of Kamloops. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Aberdeen Mall and is easily accessible via the Kamloops Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Rushka 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 might need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Following Dr. Rushka's specific recommendation is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.

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, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Rushka 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).

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

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

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

In British Columbia, 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 provided by employers), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is essential to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and always check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Rushka and the team 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, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Based on this, Dr. Rushka will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Rushka 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 treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may include cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

201-418 St Paul St
Kamloops, BC, V2C 2J6

Phone: (250) 374-3353

Dr. David Dale Rushka 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. Rushka 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.