Dr. Judith Anne Hooker – Dentist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Judith Anne Hooker is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Victoria, BC, Dr. Hooker is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Hooker 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. Hooker 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. Hooker 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. Judith Anne Hooker earned a Dental Degree. With over 42 years of practice since 1983, Dr. Hooker has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Hooker is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Hooker remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Hooker's dental practice philosophy include: 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; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Hooker provides consultations in English.

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

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.

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: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• 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: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

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.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.

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

• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Thorough dental cleanings by a registered dental hygienist or dentist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains, promoting healthy gums and teeth.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Durable and aesthetic crowns designed to restore the form, function, and integrity of significantly damaged or endodontically treated teeth.

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

At Dr. Judith Anne Hooker'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. Hooker frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Understanding the frustration needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain can cause, Dr. Hooker tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain.
• If a tooth that had become very dark or discolored, perhaps after a past injury or previous root canal treatment has unfortunately put feeling that their investment in cosmetic or restorative dentistry was truly worthwhile for their self-esteem on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Hooker works closely with patients towards attaining a single discolored tooth being aesthetically restored to match the rest of their smile, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Hooker about wondering if their child might need braces or orthodontic assessment for crooked teeth is to attain receiving clear dental clearance before a major medical procedure, ensuring their overall health is prioritized. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like feeling relief from chronic headaches that were linked to their TMJ or bruxism.
• For those affected by a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces, Dr. Hooker provides solutions that lead to their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day.

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

Dr. Hooker's practice is a dental office located in the Fairfield West, Rockland neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal BC Museum and is accessible via Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Hooker 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, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include some cosmetic procedures (like teeth whitening or bonding). Dr. Hooker also provides education on oral hygiene and will refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

What cosmetic dentistry options might Dr. Hooker offer to improve the appearance of my smile?

Dr. Hooker focuses on comprehensive general dentistry for overall oral health. While many restorative procedures also have excellent aesthetic outcomes, if you have specific advanced cosmetic concerns, they can discuss basic aesthetic improvements available or provide a referral to a dentist specializing in cosmetic procedures or a prosthodontist if more advanced treatment is desired.

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

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

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

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 is essential to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months for preventative care. However, Dr. Hooker 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 more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals. It's crucial to follow Dr. Hooker's specific recommendations.

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

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

2620 Currie Rd
Victoria, BC, V8S 3B8

Phone: (250) 595-3833

Dr. Judith Anne Hooker 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. Hooker 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.