Dr. Joanne Lorraine Mckeen – Dentist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Joanne Lorraine Mckeen is a Dentist. Practicing at Ottawa Public Health in Ottawa, ON, Dr. Mckeen is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Mckeen 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. Mckeen 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. Mckeen 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 Ottawa Public Health.

Dr. Joanne Lorraine Mckeen earned a Dental Degree from Dalhousie University, graduating in 2004. With over 21 years of practice since 2004, Dr. Mckeen's experience encompasses a broad spectrum of dental care. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Mckeen is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most current and effective treatments.

Key aspects of Dr. Mckeen's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Mckeen provides consultations in English.

Dr. Joanne Lorraine Mckeen provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• 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.

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): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.

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.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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: Addressing situations where a dental filling or crown has become dislodged or fallen out, requiring temporary or permanent replacement.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Mckeen. 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): Fabrication of custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).
• 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): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.

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

At Ottawa Public Health, 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. Mckeen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A key objective when treating noticing a concerning dark spot on one of their teeth, possibly a cavity at Dr. Mckeen's welcoming dental clinic is achieving a noticeable improvement or elimination of persistent bad taste in their mouth. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities, Dr. Mckeen offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of feeling great about their smile in photographs and videos.
• Dr. Mckeen's comprehensive care for a piece of an old, large amalgam (silver) filling breaking off, leaving a tooth vulnerable is meticulously designed to result in their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion without dental worries.
• Dr. Mckeen understands that dealing with a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving feeling well-equipped with advice on how to care for their toddler's developing teeth, helping patients comfortably get back to feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes and feeling their best.

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

Dr. Mckeen's practice, Ottawa Public Health, is situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Confederation Building and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Mckeen will personalize your schedule based on individual needs, risk factors (like cavities or gum disease), and existing conditions. For example, those managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities might need visits every 3-4 months, while others with excellent long-term oral health may have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Mckeen's specific recommendations.

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 necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Mckeen will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

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

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 in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care is paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance (often employer-provided), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Check your eligibility for public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-pays, deductibles, annual maximums) before treatment.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Mckeen at Ottawa Public Health?

Your first visit will involve completing a medical history form, discussing your dental concerns and goals with Dr. Mckeen, and undergoing a thorough oral examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Mckeen will then explain their findings and recommend any necessary treatments. It's an excellent opportunity to ask questions.

Ottawa Public Health
2525 St Laurent Blvd #201
Ottawa, ON, K1H 8P5

Phone: (613) 580-9632

Dr. Joanne Lorraine Mckeen 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: 62496

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=62496

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