Dr. David Lap-Man Ho – Dentist | Whitby, ON

Dr. David Lap-Man Ho is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Whitby Dental Centre in Whitby, ON, Dr. Ho is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Ho 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. Ho 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. Ho 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. David Lap-Man Ho earned a Dental Degree from Case Western Reserve University, graduating in 1993. With over 32 years of practice since 1993, Dr. Ho 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. Ho is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Ho 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 Whitby Dental Centre.

Key aspects of Dr. Ho's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Ho provides consultations in English.

Dr. David Lap-Man Ho 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

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• 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.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Children with significant systemic health conditions (e.g., organ transplants, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes) who require careful dental management and coordination with their medical specialists to prevent oral complications and ensure dental treatments are performed safely.
• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Requiring specialized dental management and a tailored care approach for children and adolescents with underlying medical conditions (e.g., congenital heart disease, bleeding disorders, immunocompromise), physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy), cognitive or developmental challenges (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome), or significant behavioral issues that make routine dental treatment difficult.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• 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.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.

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

• Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Office & Take-Home Kits): Customized teeth whitening options, including accelerated in-clinic procedures and personalized at-home kits, to effectively lighten the shade of your natural teeth.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.
• 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.

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

At Whitby Dental Centre, 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. Ho frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing wanting to explore options to replace a missing tooth with a permanent solution like a dental implant, involves working systematically towards having a comfortable, stable, and functional full-mouth tooth replacement solution, like implant-supported dentures. Dr. Ho expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including feeling confident that their oral health is positively contributing to their systemic health.
• Dr. Ho often consults with patients whose concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly significantly limits their enjoyment of no longer having to 'guard' a sensitive tooth when eating or drinking or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Patients presenting with a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their chipped or broken tooth being beautifully restored to its natural shape and function under Dr. Ho's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health without the former limitations or discomfort.
• A key objective when treating recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit at Dr. Ho's welcoming dental clinic is achieving finding a welcoming and skilled dental practice capable of caring for their entire family's needs. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them.

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

Whitby Dental Centre, where Dr. Ho practices, is situated in the Downtown Whitby, Port Whitby neighborhood of Whitby. The clinic is conveniently located near Whitby GO Station and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

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

For most adults and children, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Ho 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, patients managing active 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 between appointments. It is crucial to follow Dr. Ho's specific recommendations for your 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 to minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan more complex treatments. Dr. Ho will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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 limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by OHIP. 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's essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at Whitby Dental Centre.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Ho at Whitby Dental Centre?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Ho and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. You will fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Ho will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. This is a great time to ask questions.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Ho 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 also include cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. Dr. Ho also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Ho may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

Whitby Dental Centre
1101 Brock St S #3
Whitby, ON, L1N 4M1

Phone: (905) 668-8338

Dr. David Lap-Man Ho 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: 12609

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=12609

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