Dr. Desiree Yee-Yong Chow – Dentist | Kamloops, BC

Dr. Desiree Yee-Yong Chow is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Kamloops, BC, Dr. Chow is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chow 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. Chow 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. Chow 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. Desiree Yee-Yong Chow earned a Dental Degree. As a more recent addition to the dental profession (licensed around 2025), Dr. Chow brings a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to their practice. Dr. Chow is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most current and effective treatments. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Chow's passion for delivering exceptional dental care and staying at the forefront of advancements in the field.

Key aspects of Dr. Chow's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; 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. Chow provides consultations in English.

Dr. Desiree Yee-Yong Chow provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

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: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• 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.

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

• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• 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.
• 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.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.

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

At Dr. Desiree Yee-Yong Chow'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. Chow frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients experiencing needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Chow's practice, a key objective is their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in their child being able to eat nutritious crunchy fruits and vegetables without discomfort.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a noticeable gap between their front teeth that they had always wished to close, involves working systematically towards their chipped or broken tooth being beautifully restored to its natural shape and function. Dr. Chow expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain.
• Are you struggling with feeling like their teeth were gradually shifting position or their bite was changing noticeably over time? Dr. Chow partners with patients to target experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle a much more achievable reality.
• The journey from their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach to wellness often involves Dr. Chow's dedicated care. The milestone is receiving a new, well-fitting set of dentures that dramatically improved their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, which opens the door back to activities such as their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance.

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

Dr. Chow's dental practice is conveniently located in the Sahali North, Upper Sahali neighborhood of Kamloops. The clinic is situated near Royal Inland Hospital and is easily accessible via the Kamloops Transit System (BC Transit). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

Does our clinic offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Chow will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may require more frequent visits (e.g., 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 between appointments. It is essential to follow Dr. Chow's specific recommendations for your optimal oral health.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Chow is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may offer cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. Dr. Chow also provides valuable education on maintaining good oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists for more complex dental needs.

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 under MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals and families (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's crucial to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and always check the details of your private dental insurance before treatment.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact our clinic directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Chow.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Chow will involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes reviewing 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. Chow will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed during this visit or scheduled for a subsequent appointment.

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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Chow 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).

1150 Hillside Drive, #303
Kamloops, BC, V2E 2N1

Phone: (604) 355-9628

Dr. Desiree Yee-Yong Chow 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. Chow 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.