Dr. David Thomas Smith – Dentist | Oshawa, ON

Dr. David Thomas Smith is a Dentist. Practicing at Oshawa Dental Arts in Oshawa, ON, Dr. Smith is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Smith 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. Smith 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. Smith 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 Oshawa Dental Arts.

Dr. David Thomas Smith earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1981. With over 44 years of practice since 1981, Dr. Smith's extensive clinical experience has provided a solid foundation for their expertise. Dr. Smith is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Smith remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and treatment techniques.

Key aspects of Dr. Smith's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Smith provides consultations in English.

Dr. David Thomas Smith 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

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

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): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Smith. 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: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Dedicated time to review diagnostic findings, explain recommended procedures, and collaboratively create a dental care strategy that meets your needs and goals.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
• 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. Smith. 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 Thomas Smith adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Oshawa Dental Arts, 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. Smith frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When patients discuss an old dental filling falling out or a crown feeling loose, unstable, or detaching, Dr. Smith outlines a path to having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably kissing their loved ones with confidence and without oral discomfort.
• Dr. Smith expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of noticing a concerning dark spot on one of their teeth, possibly a cavity. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming, means they can happily and comfortably get back to showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion.
• Through Dr. Smith's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning often find they can readily achieve a noticeable reduction or cessation of gum bleeding when flossing, indicating improved gingival health and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like maintaining a professional appearance that boosts their career prospects.
• When a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Smith helps patients strive for gaining a clear understanding of their child's orthodontic needs and the available treatment options. This makes participating in activities such as feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos a pleasant and possible experience again.

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

Oshawa Dental Arts, where Dr. Smith practices, is situated in the Central Oshawa, O'Neill neighborhood of Oshawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Oshawa Centre and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Smith at Oshawa Dental Arts?

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

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 to further minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Smith 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).

What are dental implants, and how do I know if I'm a suitable candidate?

Dental implants are small, medical-grade titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for fixed (crowns, bridges) or removable replacement teeth (dentures). Good candidates generally have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density to support the implant, and are in good general health. Dr. Smith can perform a comprehensive assessment, which may include X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, to evaluate your suitability. Dr. Smith can discuss implants as an option and refer you to an implant specialist (like a Periodontist or Oral Surgeon) if appropriate.

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 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). Always check the details of your private dental insurance and verify any potential public coverage before treatment.

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

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

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

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

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

Oshawa Dental Arts
292 King St W 1st Floor
Oshawa, ON, L1J 2J9

Phone: (905) 725-9712

Dr. David Thomas Smith 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: 9508

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=9508

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