Dr. Kaitlin Marlisa McLay – Dentist | Wiarton, ON

Dr. Kaitlin Marlisa McLay is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Bluewater Dental in Wiarton, ON, Dr. McLay is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. McLay 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. McLay 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. McLay 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. Kaitlin Marlisa McLay earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 2021. With over 4 years of practice since 2021, Dr. McLay 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: Minimal Nitrous; N/A. Dr. McLay is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. McLay 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 Bluewater Dental.

Key aspects of Dr. McLay's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. McLay provides consultations in English.

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

Dental Anxiety Phobia

• Fear or Anxiety about Dental Visits/Procedures: Experiencing significant dental anxiety or phobia that makes it difficult to seek or undergo necessary dental treatment.
• History of Traumatic Dental Experiences: Seeking a compassionate, gentle, and communicative approach to dental care due to previous trauma.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

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

• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Application of ultra-thin, custom-made porcelain shells (veneers or minimal-prep Lumineers) bonded to the front surface of teeth to dramatically improve their shape, size, length, color, or to correct minor misalignments, chips, and gaps.
• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): A personalized and artistic approach to completely redesigning your smile using a carefully selected sequence of cosmetic dental techniques, tailored to your facial features and aesthetic goals.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): A commonly used sedation option for patients with moderate dental fear or anxiety, allowing them to remain conscious and able to respond to verbal cues but feel deeply relaxed and often have little memory of the procedure.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Moderate or 'Twilight' Sedation - If Certified): Administering sedative medications directly into the bloodstream by a specially certified dentist for a deeper, more controlled level of conscious sedation (often referred to as 'twilight sedation'). This technique provides profound relaxation, significant anxiety relief, and often partial to full amnesia of the procedure. Typically used for complex or lengthy procedures, wisdom teeth extractions, or for patients with severe dental phobia or special needs.

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

At Bluewater Dental, 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. McLay frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The journey from experiencing sharp or lingering pain when they bit down or chewed on a specific tooth to wellness often involves Dr. McLay's dedicated care. The milestone is experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies, which opens the door back to activities such as no longer having to 'guard' a sensitive tooth when eating or drinking.
• Overcoming or effectively managing one of their teeth starting to feel a bit loose or wobbly is a common journey for patients under Dr. McLay's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling understanding the cause of their tooth wear and having a plan to prevent further damage, so that daily routines and pleasures like their dentures allowing them to enjoy a more diverse and nutritious diet become straightforward again.
• Dr. McLay's comprehensive care for a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food is meticulously designed to result in their child with special healthcare needs successfully and calmly completing necessary dental treatment in a supportive environment. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as their overall facial aesthetics being enhanced by well-planned dental and/or facial esthetic treatments without dental worries.
• With Dr. McLay's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure is focused on achieving achieving straighter teeth and an improved bite with discreet clear aligner therapy. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to their smile reflecting their inner happiness and confidence without dental concerns.

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

Bluewater Dental, where Dr. McLay practices, is situated in a central location within the Wiarton neighborhood of Wiarton. 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.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. McLay is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding if offered). Dr. McLay also educates patients on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. McLay may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. McLay at Bluewater Dental?

Your first visit with Dr. McLay 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. McLay will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. McLay offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. McLay understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Bluewater Dental may offer various sedation options, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. McLay during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In ON, 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). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

Generally, every 6 months is recommended for preventative care. Dr. McLay will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors, and existing conditions (e.g., more frequent visits may be needed for those managing gum disease or at high caries risk). Follow Dr. McLay's specific recommendation.

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). Dr. McLay will determine the frequency based on your individual needs, adhering to ALARA guidelines.

Bluewater Dental
652 Berford St Box 40
Wiarton, ON, N0H 2T0

Phone: (519) 534-3567

Dr. Kaitlin Marlisa McLay 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: 150410

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=150410

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