Dr. Douglas Spencer Sims – Dentist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Douglas Spencer Sims is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Victoria, BC, Dr. Sims is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Sims 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. Sims 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. Sims 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. Douglas Spencer Sims earned a Dental Degree. With over 39 years of practice since 1986, Dr. Sims has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Sims is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Sims remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Sims's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Sims provides consultations in English.

Dr. Douglas Spencer Sims 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): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

Common Dental Issues

• 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: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

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

• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.

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

At Dr. Douglas Spencer Sims'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. Sims frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Numerous patients have successfully addressed needing a thorough dental check-up and clearance before starting a major medical treatment or undergoing surgery (e.g., cardiac surgery, organ transplant, chemotherapy) with Dr. Sims's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy their gums feeling healthy and looking good, contributing to overall oral wellness once more.
• The journey from a tooth that had become very dark or discolored, perhaps after a past injury or previous root canal treatment to wellness often involves Dr. Sims's dedicated care. The milestone is their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again, which opens the door back to activities such as their child being excited to show off their newly sealed or filled tooth to friends.
• For those affected by a dental problem that was causing significant difficulty or pain when they tried to eat certain types of foods, Dr. Sims provides solutions that lead to their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle.
• For individuals troubled by a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal, Dr. Sims's approach is focused on delivering their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like singing their favorite songs with gusto, whether in a choir or just for fun with a healthier smile.

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

Dr. Sims's practice is a dental office located in the Fairfield East, Oaklands neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (Arena) and is easily accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Sims 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. Sims?

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

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Sims 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 need visits every 3-4 months (e.g., those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Sims's specific recommendations.

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 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 provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Sims 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. Sims will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great opportunity to ask questions.

202 - 2590 Cadboro Bay Rd
Victoria, BC, V8R 5J2

Phone: (250) 704-1137

Dr. Douglas Spencer Sims 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. Sims 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.