Dr. Karen Gwen Henderson

Dr. Karen Gwen Henderson 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: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

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

• Dental Sealants: A simple and effective preventative measure to reduce the risk of cavities on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Removal of some erupted or partially erupted teeth, including some erupted wisdom teeth, that may require minor surgical techniques such as sectioning the tooth or minimal bone removal for access, depending on the dentist's training, experience, and case complexity.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.

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

At Portland Community Dental Clinic, 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. Henderson frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If their smile not looking as bright, white, or vibrant as it used to, prompting interest in whitening has unfortunately put no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Henderson works closely with patients towards attaining an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Managing their breath not feeling consistently fresh or clean even immediately after brushing and flossing effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Henderson and the dental team. The clear aim is always their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying showing off a brighter, more youthful smile after cosmetic treatments and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• If a dental problem that was causing significant difficulty or pain when they tried to eat certain types of foods is preventing you from fully enjoying their smile being a positive asset in their personal and professional life or causing discomfort, Dr. Henderson offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• For individuals troubled by their existing dentures not fitting as comfortably or securely as they used to, Dr. Henderson's approach is focused on delivering having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing with a healthier smile.

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

Portland Community Dental Clinic, where Dr. Henderson practices, is situated in the Downtown Eastside (DTES), Gastown, Chinatown neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near the Shopping District and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

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

For most adults, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Henderson will recommend a personalized schedule based on your (or your child's) individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Henderson's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Henderson at Portland Community Dental Clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Henderson 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. Henderson 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.

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 for the general population. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by MSP. 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, social assistance recipients). It's essential to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Portland Community Dental Clinic.

Does Portland Community Dental Clinic offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Henderson 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 include cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate patients on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Henderson 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).

Portland Community Dental Clinic
12 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC, V6A 1N1

Phone: (778) 371-0060

Dr. Karen Gwen Henderson 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. Henderson 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.