Dr. Ho-Young Chung – Dentist | Kamloops, BC

Dr. Ho-Young Chung is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Kamloops, BC, Dr. Chung is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chung 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. Chung 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. Chung 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. Ho-Young Chung earned a Dental Degree. With over 15 years of practice since 2010, Dr. Chung's experience has provided a strong foundation for their expertise. Dr. Chung is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Chung's ongoing pursuit of excellence in the field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Chung's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Chung is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Korean.

Dr. Ho-Young Chung provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• 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.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Chung. 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.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed (non-removable) dental bridge, typically anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants, to restore chewing function, maintain tooth alignment, and improve smile aesthetics.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.

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

At Dr. Ho-Young Chung'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. Chung frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A key objective when treating a dental problem that was causing significant difficulty or pain when they tried to eat certain types of foods at Dr. Chung's welcoming dental clinic is achieving being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without pain or difficulty chewing. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing needing practical advice and guidance on how to properly care for their toddler's newly erupted first teeth, involves working systematically towards the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming. Dr. Chung expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including singing their favorite songs with gusto, whether in a choir or just for fun.
• Effectively addressing an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention with Dr. Chung's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in their child focusing better at school, free from the distraction of dental issues and social interactions.
• Through Dr. Chung's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from a tooth getting accidentally knocked out or avulsed during a sports game or accident often find they can readily achieve their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort.

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

Dr. Chung's practice is a dental office in Kamloops, situated in the Sahali North, Upper Sahali neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near the North Shore Business Improvement Area and is accessible via the Kamloops Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

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. Chung.

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 to further minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Chung 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).

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Chung 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. Chung's specific recommendation.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Chung is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, 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 management of gum disease, and may also include cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). Dr. Chung also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex 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. 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). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Chung 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. Chung will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

603-1801 Princeton-Kamloops Hwy
Kamloops, BC, V2E 2J7

Phone: (250) 372-7177

Dr. Ho-Young Chung 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. Chung 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.