About
Dr. Heather Ann Smith is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre in Gloucester, 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 also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment. 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 Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre.
Dr. Heather Ann Smith earned a Dental Degree from Dalhousie University, graduating in 2007. With over 16 years of practice since 2009, Dr. Smith offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Smith is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.
Key aspects of Dr. Smith's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Smith provides consultations in English.
Dr. Heather Ann 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): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
- Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
Special Needs Dental Care Peds
- Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.
- Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Seeking a pediatric dental specialist or a general dentist with significant experience and resources in providing safe, effective, and compassionate dental care for children with unique and complex needs, potentially including the use of advanced behavior guidance techniques or sedation/anesthesia.
Dental Anxiety Phobia
- Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Looking for sedation options (e.g., nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation) or other strategies to manage anxiety during dental care.
- History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Past negative or painful dental experiences leading to profound apprehension about current or future dental treatment.
Gag Reflex Management
- Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Experiencing a hyperactive or severe gag reflex that significantly interferes with routine dental examinations, X-rays, impressions, or treatments.
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: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
- 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.
- 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.
- Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): Comprehensive aesthetic assessment and collaborative planning of multiple cosmetic dental procedures (e.g., whitening, veneers, bonding, crowns, gum contouring) to achieve a desired, harmonious, and transformative smile outcome.
- Gum Contouring / Gingival Reshaping (Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery): Minor surgical or laser-assisted gum reshaping to create a more balanced, symmetrical, and harmonious smile by optimizing the gingival architecture.
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. Heather Ann Smith adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
At Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre, 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:
- For patients where concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history is a primary concern, Dr. Smith focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their knocked-out tooth being successfully reimplanted and saved thanks to prompt emergency care. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health.
- With Dr. Smith's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing their existing dentures not fitting as comfortably or securely as they used to is focused on achieving their previously sensitive exposed tooth roots being protected and desensitized. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped without dental concerns.
- Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Smith when they first notice a need for a professional dental opinion on a growth, unusual spot, or texture change in their mouth that they discovered. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak, enabling them to once again enjoy kissing their loved ones with confidence and without oral discomfort without hesitation.
- Understanding the frustration a piece of an old, large amalgam (silver) filling breaking off, leaving a tooth vulnerable can cause, Dr. Smith tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their teeth and gums feeling exceptionally clean and healthy after a necessary deep cleaning procedure, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their TMJ comfort allowing them to yawn, laugh, and speak without restriction or pain.
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.
Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre, where Dr. Smith practices, is situated in a central location within the Gloucester neighborhood of Gloucester. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.
- 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 six months. However, Dr. Smith will personalize this schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, patients managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities might need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others with excellent long-term oral health may have slightly longer intervals. It is essential to follow Dr. Smith's specific recommendations for your optimal oral health.
- Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?
- Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays that use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as 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 the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Smith at Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre?
- At your initial appointment, Dr. Smith and the team at Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre will get to know you and your oral health. You'll fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental concerns or goals, and undergo a thorough oral examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Smith will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. This is a great opportunity to ask questions.
- 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. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance (often employer-sponsored), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Always verify your eligibility for any public coverage and check your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-pays, deductibles, maximums) before treatment.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Smith?
- No, you generally don't need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Smith for check-ups, cleanings, or consultations. You can book an appointment directly with Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre.
- What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Smith typically provide?
- A General Dentist like Dr. Smith is your primary dental care provider, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial gum disease management, and possibly cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for complex needs. Dr. Smith may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on their additional training.
Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre
2668 A Innes Rd
Gloucester, ON, K1B 4Z5
Phone: (613) 834-5959
Dr. Heather Ann 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: 80799
Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=80799
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.