Dr. Kathryn Leanne Gatley – Dentist | Duncan, BC

Dr. Kathryn Leanne Gatley is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Duncan, BC, Dr. Gatley is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Gatley 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. Gatley 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. Gatley 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. Kathryn Leanne Gatley earned a Dental Degree. With over 14 years of practice since 2011, Dr. Gatley has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Gatley is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Gatley remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, enabling them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Gatley's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; 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. Gatley provides consultations in English.

Dr. Kathryn Leanne Gatley 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

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Investigating and managing bad breath by addressing its underlying dental causes and providing hygiene recommendations.

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

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: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

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

• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Proactive examinations as part of your check-up to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.

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

At Dr. Kathryn Leanne Gatley'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. Gatley frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care at Dr. Gatley's practice is consistently achieving achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as actively engaging in conversations without being preoccupied by a dental concern.
• If a noticeable gap between their front teeth that they had always wished to close is preventing you from fully enjoying feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations or causing discomfort, Dr. Gatley offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• The journey from experiencing a dull, persistent ache in their jaw joint area that sometimes radiated towards their ear or temple to wellness often involves Dr. Gatley's dedicated care. The milestone is experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area, which opens the door back to activities such as smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Gatley about their teeth appearing noticeably longer than before, often a sign of progressive gum recession is to attain finding a dental team that understands and effectively manages their dental nervousness. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like feeling refreshed and confident with consistently fresh breath throughout the day.

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

Dr. Gatley's practice, a dental office in Duncan, is situated in a central location within the Duncan neighborhood of Duncan. 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.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Gatley and the team at the clinic will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Gatley will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

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

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Gatley is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including 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 offer cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. Dr. Gatley also provides education on oral hygiene and refers patients 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 only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Gatley 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. Gatley?

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Gatley 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, the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically does NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some 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). Government assistance programs may be available for eligible groups, such as children from low-income families or seniors on specific benefits. It is essential to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

300 - 2640 Beverly St
Duncan, BC, V9L 5C7

Phone: (250) 748-1322

Dr. Kathryn Leanne Gatley 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. Gatley 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.