Dr. Kevin Neil O’Shea – Dentist | Vernon, BC

Dr. Kevin Neil O'Shea is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vernon, BC, Dr. O'Shea is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. O'Shea 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. O'Shea 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. O'Shea 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. Kevin Neil O'Shea earned a Dental Degree. With over 16 years of practice since 2009, Dr. O'Shea's clinical experience is extensive. Dr. O'Shea is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. O'Shea remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, consistently delivering the highest standard of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. O'Shea's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. O'Shea provides consultations in English.

Dr. Kevin Neil O'Shea provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

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.

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.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

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

• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.

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

At Dr. Kevin Neil O'Shea'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. O'Shea frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The journey from waking up frequently with a sore jaw, facial muscle tenderness, or tension headaches, possibly from teeth grinding to wellness often involves Dr. O'Shea'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 enjoying the full taste of food without a metallic taste from old fillings or bad breath.
• Dr. O'Shea expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of noticing their gums seemed to be receding or pulling away from their teeth, making teeth look longer. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by their child's toothache being resolved, and the tooth saved with appropriate treatment, means they can happily and comfortably get back to showing off a brighter, more youthful smile after cosmetic treatments.
• For patients where a persistent sore spot, ulcer, or unusual lesion in their mouth that hadn't healed on its own is a primary concern, Dr. O'Shea focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully singing their favorite songs with gusto, whether in a choir or just for fun.
• If experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. O'Shea develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their child sleeping soundly again after a painful toothache was resolved. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy confidently taking on speaking roles or performances without concern for their dental appearance or speech clarity.

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

Dr. O'Shea's practice, a dental office in Vernon, is situated in the Central Vernon, Downtown neighborhood of Vernon. The clinic is conveniently located near Vernon Jubilee Hospital and is accessible via Vernon Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near 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 limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and to always review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before commencing treatment.

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

Your first visit with Dr. O'Shea 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. O'Shea 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.

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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. O'Shea 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).

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. O'Shea 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 between appointments. It's essential to follow Dr. O'Shea's specific recommendations.

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. O'Shea?

Typically, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. You are welcome to contact the clinic directly to arrange your visit with Dr. O'Shea.

201-3410 32 Ave
Vernon, BC, V1T 2N1

Phone: (250) 545-3300

Dr. Kevin Neil O'Shea 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. O'Shea 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.