Dr. Gregory John Westman – Dentist | Barrie, ON

Dr. Gregory John Westman is a Pediatric Dentist. Practicing at N/A in Barrie, ON, Dr. Westman is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Westman 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. As a certified specialist in Pediatric Dentistry, providing comprehensive and specialized preventative and therapeutic oral health care exclusively for infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs. This includes behavior guidance, sedation, and treatment of early childhood caries and developmental dental issues. Dr. Westman 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 N/A.

Dr. Gregory John Westman earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1982. This was followed by specialized training in advanced specialty training in Paediatric Dentist at the Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis in 1988. With over 42 years of practice since 1983, Dr. Westman is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment to professional development ensures Dr. Westman remains at the forefront of pediatric dentistry, consistently delivering the highest quality of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Westman's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Westman provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Gregory John Westman addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Dental Trauma Children

• Traumatic Injuries to Primary or Young Permanent Teeth in Children: Specialized pediatric management of traumatic dental injuries, including splinting, pulp therapy, and aesthetic repairs, tailored to the child's age and dental development.

Childhood Dental Conditions

• Comprehensive Dental Needs of Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Addressing a wide range of dental issues common in childhood, such as early childhood caries, dental developmental anomalies, dental trauma, or orthodontic interception needs, in a child-friendly environment.

Complex Dental Diagnosis Needs

• Need for Detailed 3D Imaging for Diagnosis or Treatment Planning (CBCT): Dental situations where standard 2D X-rays (bitewings, panoramic) are insufficient and a 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scan is required for accurate diagnosis, assessment of anatomical complexities, or detailed planning of complex treatments like implants, orthodontics, or endodontics.

Early Childhood Caries

• Aggressive Tooth Decay (Cavities) in Infants & Toddlers (ECC): Presence of one or more decayed, missing (due to decay), or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a child 71 months of age or younger, often rapidly progressing and affecting multiple teeth, particularly the upper front teeth.

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

• Comprehensive Oral Health Care for Infants, Children & Adolescents: Expert management of all aspects of children's oral health, focusing on prevention, early intervention, and positive dental experiences.
• 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.
• Pediatric Sedation Dentistry (Nitrous Oxide, Oral Sedation, IV Sedation, General Anesthesia - Specialist Setting): Specialized pediatric sedation and anesthesia services to enable complex or lengthy dental work to be completed effectively and humanely for challenging cases.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.
• Behavior Guidance & Management for Pediatric Patients: Utilizing specialized techniques (tell-show-do, positive reinforcement, distraction) to help children feel comfortable and cooperative during dental visits.

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

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Westman is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At N/A, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing their child having a severe toothache that kept them up at night and required immediate attention is a common journey for patients under Dr. Westman's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their smile looking its absolute best for an important upcoming wedding, graduation, or other special event, so that daily routines and pleasures like easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums become straightforward again.
• Dr. Westman's comprehensive care for their teeth appearing noticeably longer than before, often a sign of progressive gum recession is meticulously designed to result in a suspicious white or red patch in their mouth being diagnosed early, leading to effective management. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as their overall facial aesthetics being enhanced by well-planned dental and/or facial esthetic treatments without dental worries.
• Effectively addressing a desire for a more permanent, comfortable, and functional solution than their current removable partial denture with Dr. Westman's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues and social interactions.
• Understanding the frustration an old dental filling falling out or a crown feeling loose, unstable, or detaching can cause, Dr. Westman tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve clarity on their child's dental eruption sequence and any potential developmental concerns, allowing for renewed participation in activities like feeling that their investment in cosmetic or restorative dentistry was truly worthwhile for their self-esteem.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Westman, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Westman is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

Dr. Westman's practice, which is N/A, is situated in the Letitia Heights, Sunnidale neighborhood of Barrie. The clinic is conveniently located near North Barrie Crossing and is accessible via Barrie Transit. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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. Westman 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 should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Westman at N/A?

Your first visit with Dr. Westman 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. Westman 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 payment options are available at N/A for dental services?

At N/A, we accept payment by cash, debit, and major credit cards (typically Visa and MasterCard). If you have dental insurance, please bring your policy information, and our administrative team will be happy to assist you with understanding your coverage and processing claims. For more extensive treatment plans, potential financing options can be discussed with our office manager.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact N/A directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Westman.

How does Dr. Westman as a Pediatric Dentist manage children with dental anxiety or special healthcare needs?

Dr. Westman's specialized training includes behavior guidance techniques (tell-show-do, positive reinforcement, distraction). They create a child-friendly environment and have experience with patients with various needs. Depending on the situation, options like nitrous oxide may be considered, or Dr. Westman can coordinate care with specialists for deeper sedation or general anesthesia if necessary. The approach is always patient and gentle.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In ON, 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 public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details before treatment.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, a referral from a general dentist like Dr. Westman is often recommended, and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Westman identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Westman will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). Follow Dr. Westman's specific recommendation.

N/A
300 Lakeshore Dr #201
Barrie, ON, L4N 0B4

Phone: (705) 726-0433

Dr. Gregory John Westman is a licensed Pediatric 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: 10021

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=10021

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