Dr. Derek Chunlum Chan – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Derek Chunlum Chan is a Dentist (Advanced Dental Imaging - CT Scans). Practicing at Alfie Dental in Toronto, ON, Dr. Chan is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chan 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. Chan 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. Chan utilizes advanced dental imaging technologies, such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), for superior diagnostic capabilities and precise treatment planning for complex cases including dental implants, orthodontics, endodontics, impacted teeth, or assessment of oral pathology. Dr. Chan 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 Alfie Dental.

Dr. Derek Chunlum Chan earned a Dental Degree from New York University, graduating in 2022. With over 3 years of practice since 2022, Dr. Chan offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry Utilizing Advanced Dental Imaging (CBCT/CT Scans). This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Chan is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Chan's dental practice philosophy include: 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; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Chan provides consultations in English.

Dr. Derek Chunlum Chan provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

Complex Dental Diagnosis Needs

• Need for Detailed 3D Imaging for Diagnosis or Treatment Planning (CBCT): Requiring advanced three-dimensional imaging to precisely visualize teeth, bone structures, nerve pathways, sinuses, and TMJ in intricate detail.

Oral Pathology Detection

• Suspicious Lesions, Sores, Lumps, or Patches in the Mouth or on Lips: Seeking timely assessment by a dentist for any unexplained or persistent lesions within the oral soft tissues or on the lips to ensure early detection of any serious conditions.

Impacted Teeth Assessment

• Concerns about Impacted or Unerupted Teeth (e.g., Wisdom Teeth, Canines): Addressing existing or potential problems caused by teeth that are unable to emerge properly into the dental arch, such as damage to adjacent teeth, cyst formation, or infection.

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

• Restoration of Dental Implants (Custom Crowns, Bridges, Dentures): Creating and expertly fitting the visible replacement teeth (prostheses) that connect to the surgically placed implant fixtures, ensuring optimal bite and appearance.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Clear Aligner Therapy (Limited Cases by GP, if specifically trained): Providing discreet orthodontic treatment with removable clear aligners for suitable, less complex alignment issues within a general practice setting.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Basic Orthodontic Assessment & Referral to Specialist: Initial evaluation of teeth alignment and bite, discussion of orthodontic concerns, and providing appropriate referrals to a certified Orthodontist for comprehensive treatment planning and specialized care.

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

At Alfie Dental, 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. Chan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury is a primary concern, Dr. Chan focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully being able to eat in public restaurants without anxiety about their teeth or dentures.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard at Dr. Chan's practice is consistently achieving the bump or swelling on their gums being diagnosed and appropriately treated, resolving their worry. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Chan with concerns about a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment, making a positive and lasting return to feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Patients experiencing a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Chan's practice, a key objective is finding a dental team that understands and effectively manages their dental nervousness, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in enjoying romantic moments without self-consciousness about their breath or smile.

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

Alfie Dental, where Dr. Chan practices, is situated in the Willowdale South neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Lawrence Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Chan at Alfie Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. Chan will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes 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. Chan will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Chan 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 if offered). Dr. Chan also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Chan may offer specialized services in areas like Comprehensive General Dentistry based on additional training.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Chan 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 may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals. It's essential to follow Dr. Chan's specific recommendation.

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, social assistance recipients). Check your eligibility for any potential public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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. Chan 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).

Alfie Dental
172 Willowdale Ave
Toronto, ON, M2N 4Y8

Phone: (416) 222-4762

Dr. Derek Chunlum Chan 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: 501517

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=501517

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