Dr. Judene Sara Joanne Smith – Dentist | St. Catharines, ON

Dr. Judene Sara Joanne Smith is a Dentist. Practicing at Smith Family Dentistry in St. Catharines, 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 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 Smith Family Dentistry.

Dr. Judene Sara Joanne Smith earned a Dental Degree from University Of Detroit Mercy, graduating in 2008. With over 17 years of practice since 2008, Dr. Smith's clinical experience is extensive. 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: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Smith provides consultations in English.

Dr. Judene Sara Joanne 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: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.

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.
• 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.

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.

• 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.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
• 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.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.

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. Judene Sara Joanne Smith adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Smith Family Dentistry, 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:

• Dr. Smith often consults with patients whose a desire to discuss options for a comprehensive 'smile makeover' to address multiple aesthetic concerns significantly limits their enjoyment of their child being excited to show off their newly sealed or filled tooth to friends or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve experiencing relief from facial pain after the dental contributions were identified and managed and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Smith when they first notice a child in their care who had special healthcare needs (physical, cognitive, or behavioral) and required a particularly patient, understanding, and accommodating dental provider. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve gaining peace of mind about their family's hereditary dental risks through informed discussion, enabling them to once again enjoy their child focusing better at school, free from the distraction of dental issues without hesitation.
• If a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long has unfortunately put feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Smith works closely with patients towards attaining their gums looking pink and healthy again after treatment for gingivitis or early gum disease, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Through Dr. Smith'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 breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily.

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.

Smith Family Dentistry is situated in the Western Hill, Glen Ridge neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Core and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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 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 review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment at Smith Family Dentistry.

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 6 months. However, Dr. Smith will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Smith's specific recommendations.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Smith Family Dentistry directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Smith.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, 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 ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Smith at Smith Family Dentistry?

Your first appointment will involve completing a medical history form, discussing your dental concerns and goals, and undergoing a thorough oral examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Smith will then explain their assessment and recommend any necessary treatments. It's a good time to ask questions.

Smith Family Dentistry
27 Church St
St. Catharines, ON, L2R 3B7

Phone: (905) 684-2353

Dr. Judene Sara Joanne 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: 75463

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=75463

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.